BayWa r.e. successfully energizes a productive solar location

• BayWa r.e., in partnership with its Dutch subsidiary, GroenLeven, has embarked on the construction of Europe's largest renewable energy project using PV modules to grow fruits in the Netherlands, setting a new standard for the continent.

The project, dubbed "fruitvoltaics," with a capacity of 8.7MW, is taking shape in the province of North Brabant, at Maarten van Hoof’s farm. The farm will accommodate 24,206 solar panels suspended over the crops. These overhead PV modules will not only permit continuous raspberry cultivation but will also produce enough energy to power 2,810 households.

The pilot project in 2020 laid the groundwork for this development. Encouraged by the success of the pilot, van Hoof decided to equip his entire raspberry farm with solar panels. The project is projected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024.

Stephan Schindele, BayWa r.e.'s Head of Product Management Agri-PV, stressed the importance of multi-purpose land use and synergy creation in tackling energy, food, and climate crises. He applauded the project, stating that it demonstrates PV modules' ability to protect crops, create resilient growing environments, and reduce reliance on single-use plastic coverings.

The project, he said, was made possible through government subsidies and personal investment by the farmer, according to the developer. This assistance has helped the project to make a convincing business case for Agri-PV in Europe.

Benedikt Ortmann, BayWa r.e.’s Global Director of Solar Projects, stated that while the technology has proven its efficacy through successful initiatives in places like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, policy still needs to catch up to promote Agri-PV more widely across Europe.

As of now, BayWa r.e. has completed 14 fruitvoltaic projects in the EMEA region. It has also begun construction on an "interspace" Agri-PV project in Spain, where PV modules are set up parallel to the crops. The company also endorses the expansion of solar grazing and biodiversity PV to maximize the synergies between PV, agriculture, and nature conservation.