Overview of the potential and challenges for agri-photovoltaics in the European Union

ID 19445 | 19.04.2023

Joint Research Centre (JRC) - 2023

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.

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Contents

Abstract

Acknowledgements

Executive summary

1 Introduction

2 Potential Role in the EU Energy Transition
2.1 PV Power Density
2.2 Technical potential of Agri-PV
2.2.1 PV Potential in comparison to the 2022 PV installed capacity
2.2.2 Potential comparison to the PV NECP planned capacity

3 Definitions, standards and guidelines
3.1.1 Germany
3.1.2 Italy
3.1.3 France
3.1.4 Other Member States

4 Challenges for Agri-PV

5 Synergies for Agriculture, Environment and Energy Policies
5.1 Common Agricultural Policy
5.2 Biodiversity

6 The EU Agri-PV Ecosystem
6.1 Research and Development
6.2 Industry
6.3 Associations, workshops and conferences

7 Conclusions

References
List of abbreviations and definitions
List of figures
List of tables
Annexes

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Fonte: EU

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