Agrophotovoltaic plants can be erected on soils with low fertility and, as a result, higher agricultural production expenses. Traditional solar plants, on the other hand, can be constructed in marginal lands.
The Commission on Productive Activities began deliberations on the new draft law, which intends to improve energy output while also increasing agricultural land utilization.
“We considered tackling a challenge caused by photovoltaic energy production. We must prepare the groundwork for this output. And for lands with bonity 7 and 8, a way for combining agriculture and photovoltaics will be discovered,” said Arben Pellumbi, a Socialist Party MP.
Bonity is a measure of soil fertility, with 1 being exceedingly productive and 10 being unproductive. The draft law also permits the development of wind energy installations. However, according to the opponents, this strategy should initially be implemented primarily to less productive fields.
“I am not opposed to investments, but if we approve these changes, we open the door to the destruction of agricultural land.” We are Europe’s last in terms of arable land. Let us prioritize the agricultural money first for benefits 8 and 9; if it is insufficient, we may make a second decision,” said Democratic Party MP Lefter Gshtenja.
“There is a chance that lands with bonity 7 and 8 will not work for these purposes.” We must anticipate that the expenses of both agricultural produce and photovoltaics will rise dramatically. “How do you ensure agricultural production on these lands?” said Democratic Party MP Luan Baçi.
Agrophotovoltaic investments have been approved by the Commission and are anticipated to be approved by the Parliament. These systems coexist with animal farming and allow for the cultivation of vegetables, grains, vineyards, citrus fruits, or the construction of greenhouses. A tariff based on the energy produced by these plants will contribute to agricultural funds, which will be redistributed as farmer support.