Agrivoltaics is taking shape in China, Europe and Japan, and but is essentially still a concept at the cutting edge in Southern Africa.
In South Africa, Agrivoltaics could leverage the need for renewable energy and intensive commercial farming for the rehabilitation of damaged land and polluted water in Mpumalanga, to provide industrial, agricultural and potable water, food, quality jobs and energy in a sustainable, circular economy for local communities.
Agrivoltaics leverages the just transition, small business development and job creation in a way that is an order of magnitude greater than solar PV alone. This makes Agrivoltaics uniquely appropriate for the just transition in South Africa and the region,
"All in all, integrating renewable energy solutions in the agri-food and water supply chains can greatly bolster water and energy security, decrease cost volatility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to long-term food sustainability," says Gurbuz Gonul, the director of IRENA's Country Engagement and Partnerships Division.
The webinar is hosted by EE Business Intelligence, supported by Agora Energiewende, the RES4Africa Foundation and PwC, and sponsored by Fraunhofer ISE, Stellenbosch University, SUNfarming and Navitas Holdings.
The programme is as follows:
12h00: Welcome by Chris Yelland
12h05: Opening words by Paolo Cutrone, RES4Africa
12h10: Presentation by Brendon Bingwa, Fraunhofer ISE
12h30: Presentation by Dr Randle-Boggis, Sheffield Univ.
12h50: Comfort break
13h00: Presentation by Mike Levington, Navitas
13h20: Presentation by Gustav Radloff, SUNfarming
13h40: Wrap-up by James Mackay, PwC
13h50: Open Q&A moderated by Chris Yelland
14h30: Thanks and closure by Chris Yelland