Abstract
The DIGI-GROW project aims to develop an integrated platform for agrivoltaic (APV) systems. APV systems combine agricultural production and photovoltaic (PV) energy generation on the same piece of land. By doing so, these systems maximize land use efficiency, significantly increasing farmers' revenues while simultaneously contributing to the creation of a sustainable and resilient food system. This dual-use of land reduces dependence on fossil fuels and decreases the need for irrigation, which directly addresses issues related to climate change and enhances food security.
Effective operation of APV systems requires careful management of both agricultural and PV aspects. To this end, the use of digital tools can greatly enhance efficiency and profitability by facilitating data-driven decision-making processes. DIGI-GROW focuses on optimizing resource use by carefully addressing energy consumption and water needs. In essence, the goal of the project is to create a comprehensive management application for APV systems that leverages digital technologies to increase farmers' profitability while improving the sustainability and resilience of the agri-food sector. The project will address the following specific objectives (SO):
- SO1. Integrate advanced digital tools in APV systems: The project will design and implement cutting-edge digital tools, such as simulation models and sensors, to optimize the dual management of agricultural and PV components within APV systems.
- SO2. Enhance land use efficiency: Through the development of customized models and software tools, the project aims to maximize land use efficiency by optimizing both crop production and energy generation.
- SO3. Increase farmers’ profitability: By combining on-site measurements, historical data, and weather forecasts, the project aims to enhance the profitability of APV systems. Improved crop yields and optimized energy use are the most relevant factors that will contribute to this goal.
- SO4. Optimize resource use: The project intends to optimize energy and water consumption within APV systems by developing detailed simulation models and a web-based management application. This approach will support the transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
- SO5. Facilitate data-driven decisions: To enable farmers to make informed decisions, the project will develop a platform that provides real-time data access and sharing, tailored specifically to the needs of APV systems. This will empower farmers with the information they need to optimize their operations and respond to changing conditions.
- SO6. Improve stakeholder communication within the food value chain: By implementing a data-sharing approach, the project will support the interconnected nature of APV systems and enhance collaboration across the food value chain.
The impact of the DIGI-GROW project will extend far beyond individual agricultural farms. The decision support systems (DSS) developed through this project can be applied not only to existing APV installations but also to any agricultural farm in Europe where an APV facility is planned to be deployed. This broad applicability highlights the potential of the DIGI-GROW project to drive widespread adoption of APV systems, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector across Europe.
Keywords
Sustainable agriculture, Agrivoltaics, Smart Management, Decision Support System, Resource Efficiency
Project coordinator
Álvaro Fernández Solas, German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Institute of Solar Research, Germany
Partners
- GERMANY: German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Institute of Solar Research
- SPAIN: Bettergy SL
- FINLAND: Avoin Association
- TURKEY: Ege University
Funding institutions
- Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), Germany
- Technology Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), Spain
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MMM), Finland
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK), Türkiye
Project duration
36 Months (February 2025 – January 2028 )
Abstract
The DIGI-GROW project aims to develop an integrated platform for agrivoltaic (APV) systems. APV systems combine agricultural production and photovoltaic (PV) energy generation on the same piece of land. By doing so, these systems maximize land use efficiency, significantly increasing farmers' revenues while simultaneously contributing to the creation of a sustainable and resilient food system. This dual-use of land reduces dependence on fossil fuels and decreases the need for irrigation, which directly addresses issues related to climate change and enhances food security.
Effective operation of APV systems requires careful management of both agricultural and PV aspects. To this end, the use of digital tools can greatly enhance efficiency and profitability by facilitating data-driven decision-making processes. DIGI-GROW focuses on optimizing resource use by carefully addressing energy consumption and water needs. In essence, the goal of the project is to create a comprehensive management application for APV systems that leverages digital technologies to increase farmers' profitability while improving the sustainability and resilience of the agri-food sector. The project will address the following specific objectives (SO):
The impact of the DIGI-GROW project will extend far beyond individual agricultural farms. The decision support systems (DSS) developed through this project can be applied not only to existing APV installations but also to any agricultural farm in Europe where an APV facility is planned to be deployed. This broad applicability highlights the potential of the DIGI-GROW project to drive widespread adoption of APV systems, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector across Europe.
Keywords
Sustainable agriculture, Agrivoltaics, Smart Management, Decision Support System, Resource Efficiency
Project coordinator
Álvaro Fernández Solas, German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Institute of Solar Research, Germany
Partners
Funding institutions
Project duration
36 Months (February 2025 – January 2028 )