Agrivoltaics in Norrbotten

Background
Electricity consumption in northern Sweden is expected to increase significantly over the next twenty years. At the same time, the region’s food self-sufficiency is alarmingly low, and many farmers are struggling with profitability. In southern Sweden and continental Europe, agrivoltaics (also known as agriPV) is gaining momentum. It promises high and sustained food production alongside efficient electricity generation, even when colocated on the same land—creating opportunities for economic viability for farmers.

Rationale
The conditions for both solar power and food production in Norrbotten differ from other parts of Europe, but synergies from co-location can still be expected. However, knowledge and pilot facilities for real-world testing are needed to assess the true potential of agrivoltaics in northern Sweden and to determine how it should be implemented to support farmers, increase regional food self-sufficiency, and meet the growing demand for renewable electricity without introducing unnecessary risks.

Implementation
This prestudy is the first step in a proposed three-phase initiative consisting of:

1. Prestudy
2. Research project with a pilot facility
3. Implementation project

The prestudy is divided into three parts:

• The first part involves mapping existing and applicable knowledge on agrivoltaics and agricultural practices in general and putting these in a northern perspective.
• The second part investigates the conditions at the proposed site in Öjebyn for the pilot facility.
• The third part clarifies regulatory requirements and permits, resolves outstanding questions, and secures interest from stakeholders in relevant industries.

Objective
In the long term, the project aims to help Norrbotten increase solar power production and food resilience through sustainable agriculture with strong economic viability. In this prestudy we will therefore define and create favorable conditions for a larger, effective research project with a real pilot facility, which in turn can generate valuable and implementable results for the last phase of the initiative.