Agrivoltaics: helping both farmers and climate

A recent report by the think-tank Ember highlights the potential for agrivoltaics in Central Europe, estimating that solar panels installed alongside agricultural activities could generate up to 191 TWh of electricity annually. This amount surpasses Poland's total electricity consumption in 2022. Despite the advanced implementation of agrivoltaics in Japan, Europe has yet to fully embrace this practice, with only a few projects in Western Europe compared to the potential for 1000 GW of capacity across the continent. The report emphasizes the need for dedicated legislation in Central and Eastern European countries, where regulations for agrivoltaics are currently lacking. Without proper policies, farmers may have to convert their land for industrial use to install solar panels, risking the loss of agricultural subsidies that are vital for their income. This situation is particularly concerning in countries like Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Agrivoltaics offers several advantages, including providing shade for crops, collecting rainwater, and allowing farmers to become energy self-sufficient. However, the technology is not universally applicable, as some crops require full sunlight, and the installation of solar panels can pose risks to farm machinery. Additionally, there are concerns that farmers might prioritize electricity production over traditional agriculture, potentially jeopardizing food production. The report calls for investment and strategic planning to harness the benefits of agrivoltaics, which could significantly contribute to decarbonization efforts in the region. By deploying just 9% of the estimated potential, Central Europe could meet all its agricultural and food processing electricity needs, presenting a viable path towards sustainable energy production.