The Croatian Renewable Energy Sources Association (OIEH) and the Italian Sustainable Agrivoltaic Association (AIAS) have signed a cooperation agreement. The aim is to jointly advance agrivoltaics, the expansion of renewable energy and the sustainable use of land.
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Training programmes for specialists planned
At the heart of the partnership lies an exchange of knowledge and experience between Croatia and Italy in agrivoltaics. The two associations plan to prepare joint analyses of the regulatory groundwork needed for agrivoltaic projects, alongside conferences, workshops and training programmes for specialists in the field. They also aim to broker cooperation between public and private partners and energy communities. Above all, the focus falls on linking food and energy production, developing so-called agro-energy zones and supporting circular economy practices.
Croatia – agrivoltaics could add 4.7 GW of solar capacity
For OIEH, an Italian partner holds obvious appeal. Italy ranks among the leading countries in agrivoltaics, having introduced strict regulations for the sector alongside a framework to support its rollout. National expansion programmes and tenders have since brought several gigawatts of agrivoltaic capacity online.
Study shows significant potential
With OIEH focused on growing the agrivoltaics segment, its neighbour makes for a natural partner in the two-way transfer of knowledge and technology. The Croatian association also points to considerable potential closer to home, both for photovoltaics in agriculture and for installations on or above the inland waters used for fish farming.
Italy – crop rotation meets solar with 1 MW of AIKO ABC
OIEH president Maja Pokrivac recently presented the relevant study in Brussels, where she argued that expanding this segment of renewable energy would maintain agricultural production alongside electricity generation, while also strengthening the security of energy supply in rural areas. (su)
