Period: 01. 06. 2026 – 31. 05. 2029

Funding SOURCE: PRIMA, ARIS

TOTAL BUDGET: 1.494.608,63 €

PROJECT COORDINATOR: University of the Bundeswehr Munich

UM COORDINATOR: prof. dr. Domen Mongus (GeMMA)

PROJECT PARTNERS: University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Rainno Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia, Istanbul Beykent University, University of Maribor, Universidade de Èvora, University of Gabès, JASSP SAS, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Cadi Ayyad University

Project website:

LINKEDIN:

Scalable Agrivoltaic Solutions for Climate-Smart Agroecology in Mediterranean Farming Systems

Abstract:

AgriPV-Nexus aims to catalyse a sustainable agroecological transition in Mediterranean smallholder farming systems by integrating nature-based, technological, digital, and socio-economic innovations. The project establishes four real-world Living Labs (LLs) in Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye to co-develop climate-resilient, site-specific agroecological practices enhanced by agrivoltaics (i.e., photovoltaic energy production co-located with farming). While agroecology offers substantial promise for climate change adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and improved soil health, its uptake remains uneven, particularly among resource-constrained smallholders. AgriPV-Nexus directly addresses this gap through an ambitious research, innovation, and action agenda grounded in a multi-actor approach (MAA) that empowers farmers, extension agents, policymakers, and civil society.
The project advances the state of the art in three core areas. First, it builds a nature-tech solution that leverages agrivoltaics as a scalable enabler of agroecological adoption, providing multifunctional benefits including shade-induced microclimate moderation, rainwater harvesting, and carbon sequestration. Second, it operationalizes a comprehensive digital ecosystem composed of (i) a portable Decision Support Tool (DST) for agroecological transition (TRL5→6), (ii) a Digital Twin (TRL6) for scenario modelling of agroecology-agrivoltaics interactions, and (iii) an e-Living Lab (e-LL) platform with a multilingual e-Learning Hub to facilitate data access and farmer training. Third, AgriPV-Nexus introduces a simplified, low-cost methodology for soil organic carbon (SOC) monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers, enabling their entry into voluntary carbon markets.

Methodologically, AgriPV-Nexus integrates participatory action research with cutting-edge environmental monitoring, digital innovation, and policy co-design. It applies the FAO’s TAPE+ framework to assess agroecological performance across biophysical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Standardized protocols are co-developed with LL stakeholders to monitor soil health, biodiversity, and productivity. Scientific rigor is further ensured, for instance, through field trials of the agroecology-cum-agrivoltaics proof of concepts with lead farmers.

The project delivers four proofs of concept of context-specific agroecological practice bundles integrated with agrivoltaic systems (TRL6-7). These innovations will reduce input costs (e.g., water, energy), diversify income via solar energy and carbon credits, and foster inclusive business models that benefit not only smallholder farmers but also women and youth in the community. Cross-LL workshops, Farmer Field Schools, and tailored digital training tools will build stakeholder capacity and digital literacy. Policy briefs and Delphi-validated recommendations will be developed to inform national and EU-level strategies on agroecology, dual land use, and carbon farming, aligning with the EU Green Deal, the Soil Mission, and the Biodiversity Strategy. Positioned at TRL 5-6, AgriPV-Nexus is designed for high-impact implementation. By generating robust, interdisciplinary evidence and enabling the scaling of agroecological practices through agrivoltaics, the project contributes to climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable rural development across the Mediterranean region. AgriPV-Nexus is cross-cutting because it contributes to capacity development, nature-tech solutions, including digital transition, soil health, biodiversity, and the water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) Nexus. Thus, the project will contribute directly to PRIMA’s operational objectives (OOs) as outlined in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).