Agrivoltaics: Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture

Agrivoltaics: Integrating profitable agricultural production and renewable energy generation

Incorporating photovoltaic systems into agricultural enterprises (agro-PV or ‘agrivoltaics’) can reduce Scope 2 emissions but should not reduce agricultural production output. This Project will collect data about the feasibility of co-locating renewable energy generation and food production – focussing on horticulture and pasture crops. Through in-field monitoring, crop trials, and detailed techno-economic evaluation, the Project will demonstrate how agrivoltaics can be integrated with profitable agricultural production systems, allowing farmers to lower emissions while generating multiple value streams from their land.

Collaboration

The project brings together partners from research, industry and government, including: The University of Western Australia, University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, Vicctoria Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Sunrise Energy Group.

Funding

This project receives $1.31m funding from the Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre and $0.64m with a total project volume of $2.75m.

ANU lead Dr Marco Ernst role is techno-economic modelling, with a focus on high-fidelity energy yield and shading modelling, and is a member of the Project Steering Committee.