Sweden Explores Agrivoltaics to Harmonize Food and Energy Production

Sweden is increasingly looking at agrivoltaics, or 'solsambruk', to balance agricultural needs with energy production, as global interest in solar energy rises amid concerns about agricultural land usage. Recent research indicates that agrivoltaics could be a viable solution in Sweden, as studies led by Pietro Campana from Mälardalen University found no significant yield difference in crops like barley and fodder grass when compared to conventional farming methods. Campana noted, "We could meet Sweden's electricity needs just by using the areas that are most suitable," although he did mention practical challenges regarding grid capacity and availability.

The installation of solar panels utilizes about 10% of the land per farm but can significantly increase farmers' incomes, providing them with a dual source of revenue. This potential has sparked discussions among Swedish authority bodies, including the Swedish Board of Agriculture, which is advocating for government support to better integrate agrivoltaics into national policy. The farmers' association and Swedish Solar Energy also back these recommendations.

However, despite these positive developments, agrivoltaics in Sweden is currently hindered by a lack of a unified definition, both in Sweden and at the EU level. This ambiguity complicates agricultural support allocations. The concept of agrivoltaics originated in Germany in 1981, and since then, several countries, including Japan, Italy, and the USA, have successfully integrated it. As Sweden works towards a clear framework, the dialogue around agrivoltaics continues to grow, reflecting a notable shift in how the nation aims to harness renewable energy alongside traditional farming practices.