From May 6–8, 2025, the EU-funded REGACE Project held its General Assembly in Volos, Greece — an intensive and inspiring three-day event hosted by the University of Thessaly.
The project partners gathered to discuss progress, align on future goals, and examine new developments in agrivoltaics technology aimed at improving greenhouse productivity and renewable energy production. Researchers from Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and Israel presented the results of the installations of agrivoltaics tracking systems enriched with CO2 in greenhouses.
A major highlight of the meeting was discussing the latest advancements in REGACE’s fully responsive, sun-tracking solar panel system, designed specifically for use inside greenhouses. This breakthrough technology allows photovoltaic (PV) panels to automatically adjust their orientation throughout the day, maximizing solar energy capture while ensuring optimal light conditions for plant growth.
The assembly also included a field visit to the Pilot Greenhouse Park of the University of Thessaly in Velestino. Professors Nikolaos Katsoulas and Chrysoula Papaioannou welcomed attendees and offered an in-depth look at the ongoing experiments being conducted there. The university recently launched the third round of cucumber cultivation trials, marking an important milestone.
The pilot greenhouse integrates REGACE’s innovative agrivoltaic system with real-time climate monitoring and CO₂ enrichment. Twelve high-capacity containers supply up to 450 kg of CO₂ to support photosynthesis and enhance crop yields. Sensors continuously monitor variables such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and light intensity—providing a robust data stream for optimizing conditions and evaluating system performance.
Visitors had the opportunity to observe these innovative systems in action, including real-time data displays and the mechanical operation of the solar panels. Discussions focused on the system’s potential to scale across various climate zones and crop types, supporting the EU’s broader objectives of sustainable agriculture and energy self-sufficiency.
“We are proud of the progress achieved so far, especially the successful demonstration of our sun-tracking agrivoltaic system in real greenhouse conditions,” concluded REGACE coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Yehia of the Alzahrawy Society. “There is still important work ahead as we fine-tune the technology and prepare it for broader application across Europe’s diverse agricultural landscapes.”
The Pilot Greenhouse Park stands as a model for integrating energy innovation with horticulture. As the REGACE Project moves forward, findings from Velestino and the other five REGACE test sites will play a key role in shaping future agrivoltaic systems across Europe and beyond.
