BayWa r.e. signs position paper on extensive Agri-PV

The initiative addresses the Federal Ministries for Agriculture, Economic Affairs and Environment. It aims to harmonise the areas of biodiversity, agriculture and energy transition through cross-ministerial adjustments i.a. in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and in agricultural and nature conservation law, and therefore ensure a high level of social acceptance.

Matthias Taft, CEO of BayWa r.e.: "With the biodiversity-promoting Agri-PV initiative, we want to strengthen our agriculture and promote climate protection and nature conservation at the same time – a true win-win-win situation. With this new form of Agri-PV, we are securing land for biodiversity and energy transition for decades without taking it away from agriculture."

Extensive Agri-PV systems are characterised, for example, by a wide sunny strip, homogeneous water distribution by means of drip edges between the modules and a use oriented towards biodiversity through insect-friendly mowing and the abandonment of fertilisers and pesticides.

"Land on which biodiversity-enhancing Agri-PV parks are established should retain its status as agricultural land similar to other Agri-PV land. This creates new opportunities for achieving our climate goals, contributing to biodiversity conservation and preserving land for farmers," says Taft. "Through our parent company, agriculture is part of our DNA – we have over 100 years of experience in working with farmers."

Find the position paper of the business initiative "Biodiversity-Promoting Agri-PV" with further information on the topic here.