The energy transition to non-polluting energy generation sources It also offers an opportunity to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis on agriculture and preserve biodiversity. This is the case for agrivoltaic energy, which is considered a new frontier for renewable energy.
The agrovoltaic energy, also known as agrivoltaic or agrophotovoltaic energy It consists of using the same area of land with the dual purpose of obtaining solar energy and agricultural products. To achieve this, solar panels are strategically placed so that they do not damage the crops.
Agrovoltaic energy in the Iberian Peninsula
UNEF, Unión Española Photovoltaica; and APREN, the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, today celebrated the “Agrovoltaic Conference in the Iberian Peninsula: innovation for a sustainable future”, which took place at Cajalmendralejo’s financial headquarters in Badajoz, and was attended by almost 170 people.
During the event, UNEF and APREN provided a comprehensive and innovative vision on the reality of agrivoltaic energy in the Iberian Peninsula, highlighting the double opportunities of combining agricultural practices with solar energy productionto promote a more sustainable future.
In addition, the meeting analyzed success stories, business models and financing strategies that position agrovoltaic energy as a sustainable solution. for rural development and energy transition. Pioneering experiences in the Peninsula and Extremadura, financing channels and R&D projects in the sector have also been presented, with the participation of universities and reference organizations, as well as the IDAE and ADENE, its Portuguese namesake.
Day with technical experts
The meeting included the institutional opening of Miguel Rodrigo, General Director of the IDAE; José Luis González, delegated councilor of the Projects Cabinet; Lighting and energy efficiency, public transport and municipal mobile park of the Badajoz City Council; Rafael Benjumea, President of UNEF; and Raquel Pastor, General Manager of Industry, Energy and Mining of the Government of Extremadura, who underlined the Board’s commitment to energy sector and the development of renewable energy sources in the region.
Rafael Benjumea, President of UNEF, wanted to express his gratitude to the agricultural sector “for its commitment to agrovoltaic energy. Agrovoltaic solar energy is the result of the agricultural sector’s involvement in the development of solar photovoltaics to make it compatible with agriculturecan work together and combine both activities.”
In addition, the President of UNEF wanted to highlight the leadership of Extremadura in our country, because it is “the autonomous community with the most installed capacity, with more than 7.7 GW, generating wealth exceeding 550 million euros. And it doesn’t stop here, as there is currently 5GW in development that will continue generating prosperity and employment for the region”.
The sectoral associations of Spain and Portugal, together with institutional representatives, companies and experts, have tried to offer society the opportunity to the practice of organic farming with the production of solar energy.
Pedro Amaral Jorge, President of APREN, emphasized that the event “represents an important milestone in the collaboration between Portugal and Spain to explore the potential of agricultural voltaic energy. It is a unique opportunity to delve into a topic that is trending in the energy world, and demonstrate how we can combine technological innovation with agricultural sustainability, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the Iberian Peninsula and strengthening the resilience of our rural areas”.
The event was closed by Mercedes Morán, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development of the Government of Extremadura, Nelson Lage, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADENE and José Donoso, CEO of UNEF.
In his speech, Morán explained that the administration is preparing a draft strategic planning “to contribute to the energy transition in a way that is compatible with other agricultural uses, job creation and the rich ecological values of Extremadura, integrating renewable energy sources in the territory in a sustainable way.” In this context, he indicated that in the field of energy “new possibilities from other technologies such as floating solar energy, agrivoltaic energy, battery storagesupercapacitors or reversible hydroelectric pumps.”
José Donoso, Director General of UNEF, for his part, concluded that “the success of the day demonstrates the great expectations of cooperation between the rural world and the photovoltaic sector. “We are opening a path that will have important development in the future.”