Representatives from the Braunau District Waste Management and Social Welfare Association visited the EWS Sonnenfeld site in Bruck an der Leitha to find out more about agri-PV.
One of them is Erich Priewasser – he is chairman of the Waste Management Association and mayor of the municipality of Höhnhart, which plays a very special role in renewable energy projects with no fewer than three EWS Sonnenfeld®-type agri-PV systems.
The group of political representatives from the associations’ assemblies was primarily keen to gain an insight into how agricultural practices work at a Sonnenfeld site. Farmer Hannes Raser , who has been one of the pioneering farmers at the EWS Sonnenfeld Bruck/Leitha since 2022, provided first-hand answers to questions on this subject.
Julian Schauerhuber, as EWS project manager, provided information about the plant and outlined the technical and economic aspects of the project.
Alina Mirwald, managing partner of EWS, then highlighted the opportunities and potential of agri-PV, particularly for the Braunau district: “The solar power potential in the Braunau district is impressive: a total of around 23 agri-PV installations, each with a total electricity generation of 10 million kWh per year, can be realised in the district over the next ten years. We have already implemented, or are currently implementing, projects totalling approximately 119 million kWh for and in collaboration with our customers. In this way, we are moving closer to the goal of meeting the district’s total electricity consumption of around 1 TWh/a entirely from regional and renewable sources – step by step, and the sooner the better!”
Mayor Erich Priewasser: “At the Agri-PV plant EWS Sonnenfeld Bruck an der Leitha, it is clear to see that agriculture combined with electricity generation via photovoltaics works perfectly, and that there are even benefits from the shade the PV panels provide for the crops.”
Agri-PV as municipal infrastructure and an investment in the future
Agri-PV combines climate-friendly energy generation with agricultural use, strengthens regional value creation and increases independence from fossil fuel imports – a win-win for agriculture, local communities and the region’s economy alike.
In times of changing climatic conditions, the protective function of PV modules for crops is also seen as an advantage, as it can, for example, have a positive effect on soil moisture.
Many thanks to all visitors for the valuable discussions and the great interest shown! Together, we are actively shaping a future worth living for us all by harnessing potential in a smart and soil-friendly way!
