Agrovoltaic as an Answer to the Difficult Relationship Between Land Use and Photovoltaics. A Case Study from Apulia Region

Abstract

Decarbonization in the electricity production sector represents a fundamental step for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the objectives set by the Paris Agreements for 2050. Reflecting on the use of rural areas in the 21st century is an extremely central topic in the debate on the long-term development of renewable energies. While cities show a model of energy consumption in constant growth, rural areas assume a significant role in terms of potential development regarding renewable energy sources. This new specialization of these areas could represent both an effective response to climate change and a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate respective economic and environmental impacts. The proposed contribution aims, as a first step, to describe the different impacts caused by the implementation of renewable energy sources in rural areas with reference to the Tavoliere della Puglia study area. This research will take into account the economic, energy, and geographic factors underlying the localization of some photovoltaic parks. In addition, the experience of some companies in the sector, active for several years in designing, building and managing innovative plants for the production of electricity from renewable sources, will also be considered. By analyzing the official cartography (e.g. Regional Territorial Landscape Plan) and participatory cartography (e.g. OpenStreetMap) at the municipal scale in a GIS-based approach, the main changes in land use and the impact of photovoltaic parks will be estimated, also in relation to a dimension of planning and environmental management. The first results obtained would finally highlight a clear contrast between the conservation of land with strong agricultural potential and the massive expansion of renewable energy production in rural areas.