The agri-photovoltaic partners of the SustaiNext project, belonging to Work Package 1, took a new step forward in May with the planting of rosemary at the Endesa Generación facilities in Valdecaballeros (Extremadura, Spain). One of the project’s objectives is to promote the transition from solar photovoltaic to agrovoltaic energy in Extremadura. This involves combining clean electricity production with agriculture, which can be more sustainable and reduce carbon emissions.
Cultivating rosemary aims to generate 45 tonnes of dry biomass, taking advantage of land occupied by a solar PV installation. The cultivation will be carried out on an area of approximately 10 hectares and Rosemary was chosen as an aromatic and medicinal species that is well adapted to the climatic conditions of this region. The success of the project will depend on several factors, such as climate, soil, water and coexistence with the photovoltaic installation. To ensure its success, a database will be created with information on the state of the crop, the soil and the environment. This will be achieved through agricultural and energy yield sensors that will send data in real time.
This solution will not only boost biomass production, but also promote biodiversity by increasing the population of insects and pollinators. In addition, the crop will be managed sustainably, without the need for irrigation and without the use of polluting chemicals. This will contribute to the protection of the environment and the development of organic farming.
Extremadura is the Spanish region with the highest installed solar photovoltaic capacity, which has intensified competition for land use and the consequent increase in carbon emissions from land use change.
Agro-energy has emerged as a sustainable model, capable of combining clean and affordable electricity production with agricultural production, and the SustaiNext project is committed to it.
