Mission Agrisolar: SolarPower Summit 2024
SolarPower Europe launched Mission Solar during our annual SolarPower Summit 4-5 March in Brussels. The flagship event brought together 440+ attendees with over 115 distinguished speakers to exchange on the most pressing topics for the sector, ahead of the next EU mandate.
During the conference, we held an engaging discussion ‘Mission Agrisolar: Harvesting the power of the sun’ with representatives from the solar and farming sectors, as well as input for the European Commission and MEP Sean Kelly.
Agrisolar is not a new concept—it was introduced more than a decade ago. By 2024, the agrisolar market has significantly matured, witnessing the development of diverse agrisolar solutions in several parts of Europe. Tailored policy frameworks for agrisolar have been introduced in many EU countries, but in most Member States, rules remain unclear.
In the session, Policy Advisor for Sustainability at SolarPower Europe, Lina Dubina, moderated a discussing to unlock answers to the following questions: How can we accelerate the roll-out of agrisolar in all EU countries? How can we make the rules for agrisolar more coherent? How can farmers be actively involved in the decision-making process for agrisolar?
Attendees of the discussion first heard from MEP Sean Kelly, an avid supported of agrisolar as a means of supporting farmers across Europe. Mr Kelly stated in his address:
“Agrisolar presents itself as an intriguing solution that aligns with sustainable agricultural practices aiming to improve both environmental and socioeconomic outcomes for farms and their surrounding areas.”
From the European Commission, Tsjerk Terpstra, Policy Advisor for Renewable Energy and Bioeconomy, joined the discussion. Mr. Terpstra emphasised the positive role that agrisolar has to pay in helping Europe reach its renewable energy and climate objectives.
“There are a lot of win- win situations when you install Agri-PV. In the EU Solar Startegy there is a specific mention of Agri-PV and the benefits it can have.”
Photo: Tsjerk Terpstra European Commission speaking at the SolarPower Summit 2024. © SolarPower Europe.
Representing the farming sector was Patrick Pagani, Deputy Secretary General at COPA COGECA. He shared insights into the complicated issues farmers are facing on the ground; there is a feeling of not being understood, not having fair revenue and a fear for the future of their industry.
Mr Pagani agreed that agrisolar should be rolled out more widely across Europe noting the potential benefits, and stating that solar must be deployed in harmony with food production following best practices. He argued that clear rules at national level are required, along with a coherent strategy for agrisolar.
Representing the industry, Alexandra Sombsthay from Akuo, and Eva Vandest from Amarenco, two leading companies in the agrisolar world, joined the panel. Both shared insights on how important it is for the agriculture and solar sectors to work together, communicate and share knowledge on how to best support on another.
“The first thing we see is that agriculture is very diverse across Europe; the freedom of the farmer on their land is very important. Boosting the EU Member States to have objectives for Agrisolar and suggest best practices is very important.”
Photo: Eva Vandest, Amarenco, speaking at the SolarPower Summit 2024. © SolarPower Europe
This valuable discussion is just one piece of the puzzle when bringing together both sectors and policymakers to exchange on how we can address climate, energy and food security in unison. We aim to keep this cross-sectoral dialogue running, establishing a fruitful partnership that benefits all parties.
Photo © SolarPower Europe
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