Stakeholders meeting in Ukraine under the EAGER project
During the first stakeholder meeting, ZRDA presented brief information about the Interreg Europe program, project EAGER, shared information about the 1st study visit in Vilnius, results of the joint regional study, and the general context of agrophotovoltaic in Europe.
The ZRDA highlighted the need for active participation of all stakeholders in the preparation of next steps plans in order to reach the objectives and project progress properly. Representatives of NGOs emphasized the importance of involving key stakeholders, including farmers and farmers' associations operating in the Zakarpattia region, as well as representatives of energy providers in the next meeting. This is essential for thoroughly understanding their needs and opportunities for implementing agro-photovoltaic systems in the region.
Among the priority tasks is the development of model solutions for farmers, taking into account the experience of project partners regarding various types of photovoltaic systems and their application in agriculture. In particular, the focus is on conceptual projects for installing solar power plants on agricultural lands, greenhouses, warehouse roofs, or processing facilities. This will include preliminary calculations of the investment component and the development of a roadmap addressing legal issues.
Scientists from Uzhhorod National University have proposed utilizing reclaimed (ameliorated) lands as sites for installing photovoltaic systems. However, considering that these lands are designated for agricultural use, the issue arises of unresolved legal regulations regarding their dual-purpose utilization. Additionally, participants discussed the issues related to the construction of solar power plants, particularly the complexity of technical requirements. The design and installation of solar power plants must comply with state building standards (DBN and DSTU), which are extremely complex. Furthermore, urban planning conditions may affect the location of solar power plants, especially in terms of height restrictions, panel placement, and requirements for their aesthetic integration into the landscape. Participants noted also the high cost of connecting farm households to the grid, which is significantly higher than for residential connections. All of this may hinder the development of agro-photovoltaics and requires more thorough examination to implement specific steps to overcome these obstacles, such as new programmes of support for agri-business and requests for state authorities to sipmplify particular procedures. In conclusion, stakeholders and the Agency identified further steps and plans to be implemented in 2025 and selected additional target groups to work with.