Agrivoltaics as Part of Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Southeast Finland

The aim of this development project is to enhance the vitality of rural areas and promote renewable energy generation in Southeast Finland through the use of cutting-edge technology. The project conducts a comprehensive study on the opportunities and challenges of agrivoltaics, meaning the co-production of solar energy and agricultural production, in the region.

The main goal of the project is to bring new energy to Southeast Finland’s rural areas through technological advancement and new operational models, without disrupting traditional agricultural livelihoods. To achieve these goals, the project will assess the potential, practical challenges, and environmental and societal impacts of agrivoltaics. It will also promote the collaboration required for agrivoltaics investment between farmers and other stakeholders through workshops and seminars. The results of the project will be freely shared with various formats, such as geospatial data and visual materials.

The main implementer of the project is LUT University, with MTK Southeast Finland as a partner. The project is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Goals

The sub-goals of the project are:

1. Improving the profitability of agriculture and increasing the vitality of rural areas,
2. Promoting renewable energy production and the green transition through solar agriculture, and
3. Developing a cooperation network to support investments in renewable electricity production on farms.