Crop Responsive Greenhouse Agrivoltaics System with CO2 Enrichment for Higher Yields (REGACE)

Facts

Run time
02/2023  – 01/2026
DFG subject areas

Plant Cultivation, Plant Nutrition, Agricultural Technology

Life Sciences

Sponsors

Horizon Europe: Innovation Action (IA)

Description

The REGACE project is developing and validating an innovative technology in the field of agriphotovoltaics. For this purpose, trackable photovoltaic panels are installed in greenhouses or foil tunnels, which are very simple, light and cost-effective. In areas with less solar radiation, a combination with CO2 enrichment systems will be used to achieve comparable production performance to standard production systems.
The core technology is a responsive tracking system mounted in the greenhouse and regulated by a PLC controller. In doing so, the tracking system changes the angle according to plant needs. The technology allows dual use of land and utilizes the given infrastructure. The design of the system results in reduced construction and maintenance costs, as well as reduced CO2 emissions. In addition to the economic benefits, significant positive impacts are expected in terms of sustainability associated with a reduced environmental footprint.
At six locations in Israel, Greece, Italy, Austria and Germany, the technology is being tested in different types of greenhouses on different crops.

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