ASSESSMENT AND GUIDELINES FOR AN AGRIVOLTAIC PILOT IN ALENTEJO

Abstract

This paper presents a study of compatibility strategies for the interface of the new PV power plant of the Aquila Capital group at Cercal do Alentejo with agricultural and conservation activities, aiming at minimizing the environmental impact while engaging the local communities in the benefit of such approach. In the first phase, agricultural production and nature conservation compatibility strategies with the PV system were defined. For the agricultural interface, a one-year cultivation cycle of carrots followed by lettuce between the PV rows is proposed, and the integration of areas for sheep grazing and black pig holding. The nature conservation strategies are based on the improvement and recovery of the existing habitats, focusing on the existing floral species and the creation of new habitats through the introduction of native endangered vascular floral species. Furthermore, the incorporation of beehives is proposed such as the installation of shelters and nidification spots for birds. In the second phase, an agrivoltaic pilot was designed, aiming at studying the selected agricultural strategy.