Study visit to Germany within the frame of the EAGER project
On the 22nd and 23rd of April, project partners and stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany, for a two-day Study visit organised within the frame of the EAGER project (Easing AGrophotovoltaics for EuRope). The event brought together regional stakeholders, such as local authorities representatives, experts in agri-photovoltaics (APV) regulation, farmers, renewable energy businesses representatives to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation on APV.
The event opened with a public session, in which participants were welcomed by representatives of the project Lead Partner – Technologiezentrum Energie of HAW Landshut (TZE), the Municipality of Ruhstorf an der Rott and the District President of Lower Bavaria. The event highlighted the growing role of APV in supporting sustainable land use, renewable energy generation and rural development.
Participants reviewed the EAGER project progress and its objectives, followed by a dedicated session on APV regulation and guidelines in Bavaria. A panel discussion then explored different perspectives on APV implementation, featuring contributions from the farmers’ association, municipalities, regional utility companies and local farmers.
The afternoon session focused on interregional cooperation within the project consortium, including updates from partners, key activities for the Semester 5 and the launch of the predefined co-coaching partnerships among project partners. These activities reinforced the project’s mission to assist policy learning and improvement.
On the second day, participants joined several technical study visits showcasing innovative renewable energy solutions in the region.
The first visit was to the Hydroelectric power station Jochenstein, which is a run-of-river hydropower station on the Danube at the border of Germany and Austria. This plant works by using the natural flow of the Danube River. Water is directed through turbines inside the dam, and the force of the moving water spins those turbines, which drive generators to produce electricity. The facility was developed in response to the region’s unique landscape and local conditions. A potential project currently under development was also introduced: a hydraulic pumping facility designed to utilize surplus solar and hydropower generated nearby. The system would pump water to a higher elevation and use it as an energy storage medium.
The facility is planned to be built near Jochenstein, and its storage capacity is expected to be sufficient to supply all residents of Passau with electricity for up to one week.
The second site was the Energy Museum: Haus am Strom. This is an environmental and energy experience centre located beside the Jochenstein Power Plant in the Danube Valley, combining interactive exhibitions on water, sustainability, biodiversity and renewable energy. Visitors can explore hands-on displays, regional nature topics and learn how hydropower generation works in the nearby plant.
In the afternoon, partners visited the State-owned Farm in Grub (Staatsgut Grub), which is part of the Bayerische Staatsgüter (Bavarian state-own farm) and serves as a research and demonstration site for innovative agriculture and renewable energy systems near Munich, Germany. At the site, a large Agri-PV test facility showcases three different systems in combination with wheat cultivation: elevated Agri-PV, allowing farming machinery to work beneath panels; linear tracking Agri-PV, where panels follow the sun to improve output; and vertical Agri-PV, using upright panel rows that reduce land sealing and generate electricity in the morning and afternoon. These three facilities specifically investigate crop yields in response to the Bavarian APV installation policy, which requires that at least 85% of the agricultural land remains in use and that a minimum of 66% of the original agricultural yield is maintained. Besides,the farm also is also been used for researching biodiversity, microclimate effects, and the practical integration of solar energy with agriculture.
The event provided valuable insights into how regions can combine agriculture and clean energy while preserving productive land. It also strengthened collaboration among EAGER partners as they continue working towards more supportive frameworks for Agri-PV across Europe.
