Agrosolar
About this good practice
In Bulgaria, the current agri framework is focused on traditional farming practices and does not yet provide direct incentives for integrating solar energy production with agriculture. APSTE (the Association for production, storage and trading of electricity) participates in working groups of legislative development of policies and regulatory framework to support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon and secure energy system. As identified at this joint policy working sessions, key aspect of policy improvement include raising awareness and communication to identified stakeholders.
Bulgarian stakeholders need specific information on existing technologies, good practices of APV projects and knowledge on benefits for the development of sustainable agriculture in combination with RES production. SolaPower Europe developed a Guide which aims to draw on past experiences, to take stock of "what works" and "what doesn’t" and advise local and international actors on successfully developing APV projects. It is aimed at solar and agricultural companies, investors, landowners, government departments, local authorities, associations, federations, industry associations, scientific research centres, consultancies, suppliers and, more generally, any party interested in APV initiatives.
This manual was translated, and adapted to the Bulgarian context by APSTE. It was then disseminated to wide range of Bulgarian stakeholders through media channels, and promotional activities.
Resources needed
The work on translation, adaptation, and dissemination of the Guidebook took about 3 PMs (person-months), which in terms of cost is estimated to about EUR 12,000.
Evidence of success
The knowledge and research papers on APV topics are yet lacking in Bulgaria, as APV concept and projects are still at its infant stage in the country. This paper was translated and adapted to Bulgarian language and it is easily accessible on internet by various links and sites. Any stakeholder from Bulgaria interested in APV topic can find it, and download it for free. It is assumed that so far, about 127 (number of downloads) Bulgarian stakeholders have already taken advantage of it.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice is especially relevant to agrarian regions and larger areas like countries which are lagging behind the leaders in APV sector, i.e. less advanced regions, because it provides good practices, and explains the topic in detail and easy to read format. It is particularly relevant to Bulgaria, because it has a significant APV potential, but it is still an emerging field in the country.
This practice can help in overcoming the following challenged before larger deployment of APV systems: 1) Increase farmers’ awareness on APV technology, and benefits; 2) Increase technical expertise as it provides good examples in designing and maintaining APV systems.
The practice could be a key step in the process of policy improvement as part of a wide communication and awareness raising campaign targeting at specific stakeholders from the agricultural and energy sectors.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Асоциацията за производство, съхранение и търговия с електроенергия - АПСТЕ