Overview of the Potential and Challenges for Agri-Photovoltaics in the European Union

Report: Overview of the Potential and Challenges for Agri-Photovoltaics in the European Union

Abstract

Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) consists in the simultaneous use of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agricultural production. It is an innovative form of PV deployment that has attracted attention worldwide and now also in the EU. It is highly relevant to a range of policies, including those related to the energy transition, agriculture, environment and research & innovation (R&I), and directly supports the goals of the European Green Deal (EGD). This report investigates the technical potential of Agri-PV systems in the EU and finds that using only 1% of the EU’s utilised Agricultural Area with Agri-PV systems could allow 1 TW of PV capacity, for instance well above the 590 GW foreseen by 2030 in the recent EU Solar Strategy communication. The study also maps the current situation in relation to the definition of Agri-PV and to related standards and guidelines, and draws attention to the challenges faced by developers for implementing projects. Furthermore, it explores the synergies between the agricultural, environment and energy policies and identifies the R&D challenges. Last but not least, the report makes recommendations regarding future steps to support the expansion of Agri-PV in the EU. The main points include a clear and concrete definition of Agri-PV, potentially as part of a European standard for Agri-PV systems, the promotion of Agri-PV at policy level through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plans as well as the Member States’ national energy strategies (financial support, dedicated capacity targets, etc.), the simplification of permitting and grid connection procedures, the engagement of the rural communities to the planning and decision making and the assurance of the welfare of the farmer (economic benefit, security of property, etc.). Continued research and development, in particular cross-cutting studies that take into account energy, crop yield and biodiversity aspects, will be essential to overcome technical challenges and ensure fully sustainable solutions for the future.

Topics

Social Perspectives

Implementation barriers

Policy and Regulatory Issues

Ag policies and regs
Federal/state/county policies

Market Assessments

Technical potential

Economics

Rural development impacts

Standardization and Best Practices
Reviews/Informational

Authors: Anatoli Chatzipanagi, Nigel Taylor and Arnulf Jaeger-Waldau

Organizations: European Commission and Joint Research Centre

Published

: European Union, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2760/208702
Online: Internet link for Overview of the Potential and Challenges for Agri-Photovoltaics in the European Union

Citation

Anatoli Chatzipanagi, Nigel Taylor, Arnulf Jaeger-Waldau (European Commission, Joint Research Centre). 2023. Overview of the Potential and Challenges for Agri-Photovoltaics in the European Union. Publications Office of the European Union: European Union.