From Gras to Sheep

Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 12:05 .

Agri-PV Development Insights and Challenges

Emma Azeau from Statkraft, Europe's leading renewable energy producer, presents insights on agri-photovoltaics (Agri-PV), focusing on solar installations that incorporate sheep grazing. Statkraft prioritizes acquiring affordable land, particularly grasslands, which constitute 13% of European agricultural land and are optimal for energy production without disrupting farming practices. The integration of energy panels, installed at heights of 0.8 to 1.2 meters, allows for both solar energy generation and the grazing needs of livestock. The development of Agri-PV involves detailed site selection, land use agreements, and environmental assessments, reflecting a shift in responsibilities due to agricultural integration. New French legislation, limiting ground coverage to 40%, has necessitated design adjustments, significantly reducing project scales. Challenges arise in securing land use agreements, with an increasing complexity in compliance with regulations and the need for ongoing agricultural assessments. The financial implications of decommissioning Agri-PV installations further complicate the relationship between solar projects and farming operations, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.

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Speaker

Emma Azeau
Senior R&D Advisor - AgriPower Initiative Leader
Statkraft
Germany

Talk of session: Unlocking Dual Land Use: Scaling Agricultural PV Through Viable Business Models

Agricultural PV has been moving from pilot to scale, combining food and power production while addressing land scarcity and climate pressure. Yet large-scale deployment is still constrained as it depends on clear policy frameworks, viable business cases, and proven system concepts. Taking inspiration from global developments, this session explores Europe's market potential, diverse applications from livestock to greenhouses, and the economic drivers shaping profitable agriculturalPV projects.

This session will address: