Project description:

Challenge: The main challenge was to overcome the potential conflict of interest between large-scale renewable energy and traditional livestock farming. Instead of pitting the two sectors against each other, the project encouraged cooperation, creating a win-win model that combines clean energy production with local livestock farming. The model reduces feed costs for farmers while controlling vegetation under solar panels, which helps preserve biodiversity.

Solution: Kalyon Enerji developed an innovative solution with a participatory approach, collaborating with local stakeholders to integrate clean energy production into traditional animal husbandry. The project established a “win-win” model by providing sustainable grazing opportunities for sheep, which reduces herders’ feed costs while also managing vegetation under the panels and protecting biodiversity.

Result: The project showed rapid adoption and scaling success. The pilot application started with 70 sheep per day and reached 600 in just three days. In 2025, the project was expanded to three different SPP sites, with approximately 3,000 sheep grazing daily. Thanks to the implemented Grazing Management Plan, economic benefits such as reduced feed cost and increased animal productivity were provided to herders, while also contributing positively to biodiversity and soil health.

Partners:

Ankon Consulting, Anadolu Meraları, İstanbul Technical University

Category: Environment & Climate Action

Company: Kalyon Enerji

About the company: 

Kalyon Enerji produces clean energy to create an energy-independent world. Guided by sustainability principles and development goals, the company is dedicated to continuous improvement and impact-oriented investments.