After Zagreb and Osijek, it is time to present the agrivoltaic model in Split.

Croatia, both on the continent and at sea, will face rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events in the coming years due to climate change. These changes highlight the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources. At the same time, adaptation to new climate conditions becomes a necessity. It requires the application of innovative solutions and advanced technologies, as well as the dual use of land to ensure that our valuable resource, space, is used in the most efficient way.

One of the best examples of synergy between two economic sectors on the same land is agrivoltaics, which maximizes land use by enabling simultaneous crop cultivation and solar energy production. This concept increases overall productivity and offers long-term solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia, together with the Faculty of Agriculture from Zagreb, the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences from Osijek, and the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation from Split, with financial support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), developed a Study on the potential of solar energy use in the agricultural and freshwater aquaculture sectors in Croatia.

The study, among other things, showed that permanent crops, especially vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, are the most suitable for the application of agrivoltaic power plants. The biggest advantage of agrivoltaics is that it is an agrotechnical measure aimed at protecting crops from weather hazards such as hail or strong winds, while also providing farmers with a secure income.

Due to the great interest of farmers in agrivoltaics, after Zagreb and Osijek, we will present the study, along with examples of good practices in Europe, to winemakers, olive growers, and fruit growers in Dalmatia.

Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia, in cooperation with the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, invites you to the 2nd Conference “OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE APPLICATION OF AGRIVOLTAICS IN VITICULTURE AND ORCHARDING IN CROATIA” which will be held on November 8, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Hotel in Split, starting at 11:00 am.

At the conference, we will address key topics for the future of sustainable agriculture in Croatia. The focus will be on the application of agrivoltaics as an innovative solution for winemakers, fruit growers, and olive growers, with an emphasis on crop protection and business improvement through the use of solar energy.

Main topics of the conference include:

• Development of agrivoltaics in Europe – examples of good practice
• Presentation of the Study on the potential of solar energy use in agriculture and the freshwater aquaculture sector in Croatia
• Agrotechnical assumptions for the successful implementation of agrivoltaic power plants
• Panel discussion on legal, spatial planning, and agricultural aspects of agrivoltaic power plants in Croatia

The conference is scheduled to end at 3 pm, followed by a networking lunch, providing an excellent opportunity for sharing experiences and establishing new business collaborations among participants.

Participation in the conference, including the networking lunch, is free, but due to limited space, please confirm your attendance by registering via email at konferencija@oie.hr no later than 31 October, 2024.

We look forward to your participation and contributing together to a sustainable future for Croatian viticulture and orchard farming.