In an era of increasing demand for sustainable food and energy production, feld.energy, a company established in Bavaria, Germany, has announced a significant step forward. By merging agriculture with renewable energy through Agri-PV systems, they aim to optimize the use of farmland. This approach facilitates the dual purpose of growing crops and generating solar power, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the environment. At a time when every piece of land has become crucial for sustainable practices, feld.energy’s initiative presents a promising solution.
Previously, the potential of Agri-PV systems was recognized but not fully tapped. Many companies in this sector faced challenges related to scalability and acceptance by traditional farmers. In recent years, increased awareness regarding climate change and energy needs has rekindled interest in solutions like those offered by feld.energy. While earlier efforts were fragmented and experimental, today’s advancements in technology and strategic investments have made it more feasible to roll out large-scale projects.
What Drives Agri-PV’s Popularity?
Agri-PV, or agrivoltaics, integrates agricultural land with solar energy production, providing a multipurpose use that can potentially revolutionize both sectors. This model not only supports Germany’s renewable energy goals but also offers farmers a diversified income stream. In addition to economic benefits, Agri-PV systems can enhance crop resilience and contribute to a decentralized energy supply, aligning with broader environmental objectives.
How Will feld.energy Use Their Funding?
Feld.energy plans to use the €10M raised from its seed funding round to accelerate growth and expand its team. The capital will help increase their operational capabilities, aligning with their goal to make dual land use a standard practice. Co-founder and CEO Dr. Adrian Renner commented on the achievement, noting,
“Securing this seed round is a decisive step forward for feld.energy.”
He emphasized that the funding will support their mission to complement farming with renewable energy, thus fostering a climate-neutral economy.
The investors have shown confidence in feld.energy’s strategy. HV Capital’s David Kuczek expressed his support, highlighting that
“The Agri-PV sector is at an inflection point, and feld.energy is exceptionally well positioned to unlock its enormous potential.”
Angel Invest and Future Energy Ventures are also backing feld.energy’s growth, reinforcing the broader potential of the Agri-PV industry.
Feld.energy is keen on proving the economic viability of Agri-PV. By offering a lease model, the company projects that farmers can earn substantial extra income over two decades without compromising their food production capabilities. This dual-use approach not only aims to stabilize farmer incomes but also reduces farming’s water use.
Both Dr. Adrian Renner and co-founder Lukas Zels have a robust history in their fields. Renner’s previous ventures have demonstrated his capability to establish impactful businesses at scale, while Zels brings expertise in technology and renewable energy. Together, they seek to create a major societal impact with feld.energy, emphasizing a sustainable and profitable intersection of agriculture and photovoltaics.
Feld.energy’s initiative is a symbol of the evolving landscape of renewable energy solutions in agriculture. Given the increasing pressures on land use, their dual-use model stands out as a potentially valuable pathway forward. As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, feld.energy’s role could become pivotal in mainstreaming Agri-PV technology across the agricultural sector.
