Renewable Energy and the Sustainable Agriculture Sector: Powering the Transition to Climate-Smart Farming
As the European Union accelerates its transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, the agricultural sector has emerged as a critical battleground in the fight against climate change. Responsible for nearly 10% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, the agriculture industry is under increasing pressure to adopt renewable energy solutions and climate-smart farming practices that can significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Fortunately, a growing number of innovative technologies and policy mechanisms are empowering farmers across Europe to embrace a renewable-powered, climate-resilient future.
The Role of Solar Power
One of the most promising renewable energy sources for the agricultural sector is solar photovoltaics (PV). Farmers are increasingly installing rooftop solar panels on their barns, greenhouses, and other buildings to generate clean electricity for on-site use. This not only lowers their energy bills but also helps them meet their own sustainability goals. In the Netherlands, for example, the country’s largest greenhouse operator, Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands, has committed to having all its greenhouses run on 100% renewable energy by 2030, with a significant portion coming from solar PV systems.
Beyond on-site generation, some progressive farmers are also exploring solar-plus-storage solutions, which combine photovoltaic arrays with battery energy storage systems. This allows them to capture excess solar energy during the day and deploy it when needed, smoothing out intermittency and better aligning supply with demand. In France, the startup Photosol has pioneered agrivoltaic projects that co-locate solar farms and agricultural operations, enabling farmers to generate clean power while continuing to cultivate their land.
Wind Energy for Farming Operations
While solar has captured much of the spotlight, wind power is also playing an important role in decarbonizing agriculture. Across Europe, wind turbines are being installed on farmland, providing a reliable source of renewable electricity to power irrigation pumps, livestock facilities, and other energy-intensive farm operations. In Spain, for instance, the energy company Iberdrola has partnered with agricultural cooperatives to develop “wind-powered farms” that combine on-site wind generation with precision farming techniques to boost productivity and sustainability.
Innovations in small-scale wind turbines are also making it easier for individual farmers to harness the power of the wind. These compact, distributed wind systems can be strategically placed around a farm to provide localized electricity, reducing the need for grid-supplied power. In Denmark, where wind is already the country’s largest source of electricity, farmers are leading the charge in deploying small wind turbines to meet their own energy demands.
Harnessing Bioenergy from Agricultural Waste
While solar and wind are garnering significant attention, the agricultural sector is also exploring the potential of bioenergy — the conversion of organic waste into heat, electricity, or transportation fuels. By repurposing manure, crop residues, and other biomass, farmers can generate renewable energy while also reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills or released into the atmosphere as methane.
In the Netherlands, for example, the Wageningen University & Research center has pioneered the development of anaerobic digesters that can transform livestock waste into biogas, a methane-rich fuel that can be used for heat, electricity, or even vehicle transport. Similarly, in Denmark, the country’s Biogas Taskforce is working to expand the adoption of farm-scale biogas plants, which not only provide renewable energy but also produce nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as a sustainable fertilizer.
Precision Agriculture and Data-Driven Decisions
As the agricultural sector embraces renewable energy solutions, it is also leveraging digital technologies to enhance its overall sustainability and climate resilience. Precision agriculture, which uses advanced sensors, data analytics, and autonomous machinery to optimize inputs and maximize yields, is becoming increasingly prevalent across Europe. By precisely managing water, fertilizer, and pesticide application, farmers can reduce their environmental impact while also boosting productivity and profitability.
In Spain, the company Kuehne + Nagel has partnered with the AgriTech startup Fielimm to deploy a comprehensive precision farming platform that combines satellite imagery, soil sensors, and machine learning to help farmers make data-driven decisions on resource use and cultivation practices. Similar initiatives are taking root in other European countries, empowering farmers to transition to more sustainable, climate-smart methods of food production.
Regenerative Farming Techniques
Beyond precision agriculture, the agricultural sector is also embracing regenerative farming practices that can actively sequester carbon and restore soil health. Techniques such as no-till cultivation, cover cropping, and agroforestry not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance the ability of agricultural lands to act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing atmospheric CO2.
In France, the cooperative Terre de Liens has been working with farmers to implement regenerative farming methods that improve the resilience of their operations in the face of climate change. By promoting practices like organic matter management and integrated pest control, the cooperative has helped its member farmers reduce their carbon footprint while also improving long-term soil fertility and productivity.
Integrated Pest Management Strategies
Complementing the shift toward regenerative agriculture, European farmers are also adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. By combining biological controls, mechanical interventions, and selective use of chemical products, IPM approaches minimize the environmental impact of pest management while maintaining crop yields and quality.
In Italy, the company Biogard has developed a suite of biopesticides and pheromone-based mating disruption technologies that enable farmers to effectively manage pests without resorting to harsh chemical treatments. These nature-based solutions not only protect biodiversity but also align with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims to reduce the use of hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030.
Policy Incentives and Regulatory Frameworks
To catalyze the widespread adoption of renewable energy and climate-smart farming practices, policymakers across Europe have implemented a range of supportive measures. The European Green Deal, for instance, provides a comprehensive policy framework that includes targeted investments, regulatory reforms, and financial incentives to drive the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Within the agricultural sector, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been increasingly aligned with climate and environmental objectives, offering subsidies and grants to farmers who adopt renewable energy systems, implement precision agriculture techniques, or implement regenerative farming methods. Additionally, several member states have introduced complementary initiatives, such as carbon farming schemes that compensate farmers for their efforts to sequester atmospheric carbon.
Technological Innovations and Infrastructure Investments
While policy frameworks are crucial, the transition to renewable-powered, climate-smart agriculture also hinges on continued technological innovation and strategic infrastructure investments. Across Europe, public-private partnerships are playing a vital role in accelerating the development and deployment of advanced solutions, from agrivoltaic systems and small-scale wind turbines to precision farming software and on-farm biogas plants.
For example, the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) brings together farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to identify and scale up cutting-edge technologies that can enhance the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural sector. Similarly, the European Investment Bank and other financial institutions are directing billions of euros toward infrastructure projects that support the integration of renewable energy, smart farming, and sustainable land management practices.
As the world grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change, the European agricultural sector is poised to play a pivotal role in the transition to a greener, more resilient future. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, embracing precision and regenerative farming techniques, and leveraging innovative policy frameworks and technological solutions, Europe’s farmers are leading the charge toward a more sustainable, climate-smart food system. The European Future Energy Forum will continue to spotlight these crucial developments, highlighting the agricultural sector’s central role in the continent’s broader sustainability transformation.
