Agrosolar Potential: Uncertainty and Hope in Croatia’s Agricultural Sector

The 4th Mediterranean Agricultural Forum AGROMED, which took place in Šibenik, Croatia, brought together agronomists, farmers, renewable energy companies, and decision-makers to address the uncertainties surrounding the use of agrosolar technology in the agricultural sector.

Despite a legal framework for the introduction of this renewable energy source, there is still uncertainty among farmers and analysts in Croatia about its effectiveness. This technology involves placing solar panels on agricultural lands or next to crops to convert sunlight into electricity for agricultural activities. However, only one cattle farm in Croatia uses agrosolar systems at present, highlighting the lack of widespread adoption and knowledge about this technology.

The forum emphasized the importance of embracing 21st-century technologies like agrosolar systems and bringing together stakeholders to discuss their potential. Numerous discussions at the forum covered the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of integrating agrosolars into agricultural practices.

While investments in agro-solar plants are seen as an opportunity to mitigate the risks posed by climate change and other agricultural challenges, concerns remain about their impact on animals and the suitability of different types of agricultural crops for this technology. Additionally, farmers’ skepticism remains due to historical failures of government support for agriculture in Croatia.

However, some experts are suggesting setting up test areas to assess the impact of agro-solar farming in Croatia. Despite these concerns, there is hope that leveraging this technology could transform agriculture in Croatia into a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner within five to seven years. Under EU funds and state incentives under “Green Plan,” such investments are expected to yield returns within that timeframe.

Overall, while there is still uncertainty about how effective agrosolar technology can be in agriculture sector in Croatia , it has potential benefits such as sustainable electricity production , reduction of harmful gases ,and possibility of financing installations through EU funds and state incentives under Green Plan .