Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, Chairman of the Board of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU), and Oleh Prysiazhniuk, Head of the SEAU Committee on Agrivoltaics, gave an interview to Energoreforma on the prospects for the development of agrivoltaics in Ukraine.
The interview explored the potential of combining renewable energy generation with agriculture, the legislative changes required, scientific research, and the opportunities for using agrivoltaics in the restoration of territories affected by the war.
SEAU notes that agricultural companies are already actively using solar generation and energy storage systems to increase their energy independence. At the same time, the development of classical agrivoltaics – the simultaneous use of land for agricultural cultivation and electricity generation – is only beginning in Ukraine.
“Drawing on European experience, we want to create the conditions necessary for the development of this sector in Ukraine,” said Vladyslav Sokolovskyi.
One of the key areas of work of the newly established SEAU Committee on Agrivoltaics is studying international experience and preparing comprehensive proposals for improving the legislative framework. In particular, this includes regulating the use of agricultural land for agrivoltaic projects, defining the concept of “agrivoltaics” itself, and addressing tax and land-use issues.
The interview also paid particular attention to the potential for applying agrivoltaics on land affected by the war and requiring long-term restoration. Combining solar generation with the cultivation of, in particular, bioenergy crops could make it possible to generate electricity while also contributing to land restoration.
“Solar panels can generate electricity, while bioenergy crops can help restore soil fertility and improve its structure. After a certain period, such land could potentially be returned to agricultural use,” emphasised Oleh Prysiazhniuk.
The experts also discussed the prospects for establishing pilot agrivoltaic projects in Ukraine based on the network of research stations of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Such projects could provide a practical basis for research, demonstrate different agrivoltaic models, and help develop Ukrainian experience in implementing these technologies.