Vision & Mission

About

our consortium

We envision a future where agrivoltaic systems are integral to global agricultural practices, providing dual benefits of solar energy generation and agricultural production. Our goal is to establish agrivoltaics as a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture, enhancing food security, sustainability, and the well-being of farmers and communities worldwide.

Photo credits: Angela Heinssen.

Agrivoltaics—or, the co-location of photovoltaic (PV) energy generation with agricultural production—offers promising solutions to simultaneously address critical challenges at the nexus of food, energy, and water security.

Vision Paper: Launching The Consortium for Sustainable Agrivoltaics (C4SA)

In the face of escalating climate change, energy transition challenges, and increasing stress on food systems in Africa, the urgency for innovative and sustainable solutions is paramount. Consistent with the 2023 UAE 'Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action,’ Agrivoltaics—or, the co-location of photovoltaic (PV) energy generation with agricultural production—offers promising solutions to simultaneously address critical challenges at the nexus of food, energy, and water security (see Annex One).

As such, we intend to formally launch the Consortium for Sustainable Agrivoltaics (C4SA), that will facilitate future investments in agrivoltaic systems throughout Africa via creation of a secretariat and an Agrivoltaics for Africa (Blended Finance) Facility (A4AF). This work will enhance food and nutrition security in Africa while promoting energy and water availability, soil health and biodiversity conservation, and increased incomes for African farmers and farming communities - with a particular focus on job creation and income generation for women and youth entrepreneurs.

Agrivoltaics combines agriculture with solar PV energy production, typically involving solar panels installed above (or alongside) crops or horticulture, allowing land to be used simultaneously for both energy generation and food production. Agrivoltaic systems enhance land use efficiency, generating clean energy, increasing crop yields and adding value for farmers through increased productivity and profitability, while conserving water and protecting soil and livestock.

By producing clean energy while improving agricultural productivity, agrivoltaics addresses the food-energy-water nexus, crucial for truly sustainable development. These systems can be designed to benefit vulnerable communities through strengthened value chains, while also being commercially viable for both donors and investors through a blended finance support structure.

Agrivoltaic systems can provide stable, sustainable investment opportunities, producing dual revenue streams from agricultural and solar energy harvests, thereby enhancing the economic and social resilience of farming communities via a variety of potential business models. The Consortium will aim to help create favourable agrivoltaics policy frameworks at national and local levels, sharing research, technical know-how and project results via an open knowledge portal, while facilitating finance for market-based solutions for anticipated production increases.

A blended finance approach is necessary to mitigate initial costs and perceived risks associated with potential African agrivoltaic projects, and will make them more attractive to both public and private investors. The donor component of A4AF can include financing of the facility, start-up funds for a secretariat, market research and pilot projects, and guarantees to cover political and financial uncertainties, to de-risk investments and leverage private funding (see Annex Two).

We will seek to partner with organizations recognized for their leadership on sustainable development in emerging markets, their commitment to clean energy solutions, and the recognition that a food security lens must be the starting point for this initiative.

Africa's abundant solar potential and agricultural capacity make it a prime candidate for transformative economic development through agrivoltaics. Supporting agrivoltaic development there represents a strategic move towards global stability and shared prosperity.

In light of these considerations, over the coming six-to-twelve months, the Consortium plans to:

Announce our intention to launch the Consortium for Sustainable Agrivoltaics (C4SA), including establishment of a foundation/secretariat tasked to develop a clear workplan and metrics, strategic objectives, identification of technical partners, focus countries and funders, with plans to formally launch the Consortium and finance facility during 2025.
Establish the Agrivoltaics for Africa Facility (A4AF) with public seed funding of EUR 100 million, aiming to catalyze an additional EUR 500 million in private investments (specific details to be developed by the secretariat and its partners). This facility would include: a) A De-risking Layer with EUR 100 million, providing grants for research and pilot projects, soft loans for project initiation, and risk guarantees to cover political and financial uncertainties; b) A Leverage Layer to mobilize additional investments of at least EUR 500 million through commercial loans, bonds, equity investments, and patient capital.
Promote cooperation on R&D in agrivoltaic technologies tailored to local African contexts, enhancing their efficiency and scalability, while facilitating knowledge-transfer and capacity-building, ensuring that African agrivoltaic projects are supported by local technical expertise and institutional frameworks conducive to long-term success. The secretariat will construct a ‘pipeline’ of bankable projects, using various business models.
Assist developing country policy-makers and partners in developing the right policy frameworks to support implementation of agrivoltaic projects, aligned with national food, energy and water policies, are are especially supportive of women and youth entrepreneurs.

In this light, we invite those willing to join us in our efforts to seize this opportunity to drive a revolution in sustainable agriculture, energy, and water security solutions - focused especially on the African continent and the developing world.

Team

Chris Hegadorn

Lead Organizer, C4SA, Sciences Po Paris

Email address: Christopher.Hegadorn@sciencespo.fr

Debisi Araba

Visiting Fellow, Imperial College London

Email address: debisi.araba@gmail.com

Elizabeth Bineyammisah

Private Consultant, Energy and Finance

Email address: Elizabeth.bineyamissah@gmail.com

Olav Kjorven

Independent Consultant

Email address: olavkjorven@gmail.com

Andrew Roche

Managing Partner, FINEXIM Paris

Email address: a.roche@finexem.com

Magnus Magnusson

CEO, Capital4D

Email address: magnus.magnusson@capital4d.com

Aissa Ndiaye

French Notaire and Legal Expert

Email address: aissa_ndiaye@yahoo.fr

Noah Wescombe

Private Consultant, Adaptation Finance

Email address: nwesco1@gmail.com

Agrivoltaics is the practice of integrating solar photovoltaic systems with agricultural activities on the same piece of land. This innovative approach is being deployed very effectively in Asia, North America, and increasingly in Europe, led by innovators in France, Germany and Italy, in particular.

"The idea is to create a synergistic relationship where both solar energy and agriculture can thrive together, optimizing use of land and other resources while improving farmer incomes and productivity."

ANNEX 1

Consortium for Sustainable Agrivoltaics (C4SA)

“Agrivoltaics for Africa (blended finance) Facility” - A4AF

Question: What is “Agrivoltaics” and why should Africans and investors consider this a priority?

Answer: Agrivoltaics is the practice of integrating solar photovoltaic systems with agricultural activities on the same piece of land. This innovative approach is being deployed very effectively in Asia, North America, and increasingly in Europe, led by innovators in France, Germany and Italy, in particular. While examples of solar and other renewables being used in African food processing and irrigation exist, it is difficult to find examples of genuinely sustainable agrivoltaic production systems in Africa at this point. Specific agrivoltaic regulatory frameworks in Africa are virtually non-existent. Agrivoltaics involves placing solar panels above (or, between) crops, livestock or aquaculture, combining energy production with agri-food cultivation.

The idea is to create a synergistic relationship where both solar energy and agriculture can thrive together, optimizing use of land and other resources while improving farmer incomes and productivity. Most commonly, solar panels are installed on elevated structures above crops or horticulture. The panels provide partial shading, creating a microclimate underneath that benefits livestock or crop growth by reducing heat stress and water evaporation. The same land area, therefore, can be used for both energy production and food cultivation, maximizing land efficiency. Meanwhile, the solar panels generate electricity, which can be used locally or fed into the grid with the co-benefit of reducing green-house gas emissions by avoiding fossil fuel-based energy inputs.

Agrivoltaics offers a holistic solution to some of the most pressing global challenges, including land use efficiency, food security, renewable energy generation, water conservation, and climate change mitigation. By integrating agriculture with solar energy production, countries can achieve multiple sustainable development goals, enhance resilience to climate change, create jobs and improve the lives and livelihoods of rural communities. This makes agrivoltaics a compelling strategy for African countries seeking to build a sustainable and secure future.

Question: Why is “Agrivoltaics” a potential ‘game-changer’ for Africa?

Answer: To assist Africa with its development needs and its continental transformation priorities and defined strategies, Agrivoltaics holds tremendous promise as it has the potential to simultaneously accelerate attainment of numerous sustainable development goals, particularly at the nexus of food, energy and water security. Furthermore, agrivoltaics offers an extraordinarily relevant approach to achieving the objectives set out in the COP-28 Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. Some specific examples of why Agrivoltaics hold such promise and relevance include:

1. Enhanced Food Security

By improving agricultural productivity and stability, agrivoltaics helps enhance food security. More reliable access to and availability of increased nutritious food production lowers the vulnerability of communities to food shortages and price volatility.

2. Efficient Land Use

Africa faces significant challenges in balancing the need for agricultural land with the demand for energy. Agrivoltaics allows for the dual use of land, where both solar panels and crops can coexist. This approach maximizes land productivity and helps address land scarcity issues while promoting soil health and avoiding land degradation.

3. Increased Crop Yields

Solar panels can provide partial shading to crops, reducing heat stress and water evaporation. This can be particularly beneficial in regions with high temperatures and limited water resources. The microclimate created under the panels can improve growing conditions for certain crops, leading to increased yields and protect livestock from heat stress, among other benefits.

4. Renewable Energy Access

Many rural areas in Africa lack reliable access to electricity. Agrivoltaics systems generate renewable energy that can be used locally to power irrigation systems, cold storage, and processing facilities, which are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses and improving the reliability and quality of local food supply chains.

5. Water Conservation

Solar panels can reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation by shading the crops and lowering soil temperatures. Additionally, some agrivoltaic systems can collect rainwater and dew, further enhancing water availability for agricultural use.

6. Economic Benefits

The implementation of agrivoltaics creates new revenue streams for farmers and/or cooperatives. They can sell excess electricity generated by the solar panels back to the grid or use it to power value-added agricultural activities. This diversifies income sources and enhances the resilience of farming communities.

7. Climate Change Mitigation

Agrivoltaics contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The dual benefits of sustainable food production and renewable energy generation align with global goals for climate action and sustainable development.

8. Technological and Skill Development

The adoption of agrivoltaic systems can spur technological innovation and skill development in rural areas. Training farmers, particularly women and youth, to manage / maintain these systems fosters local expertise and capacity building, which are crucial for long-term sustainability.

9. Resilience to Climate Variability

Agrivoltaics can improve the resilience of agricultural systems to climate variability. By providing a controlled environment for crops, farmers can better manage extreme weather events, such as droughts or heatwaves, ensuring more consistent food production.

10. Social and Community Benefits

The benefits of agrivoltaics extend well beyond individual farmers to entire communities. Improved food security, economic stability, and access to energy can enhance overall quality of life, reduce rural-urban migration, and support community development.

In summary, agrivoltaics addresses multiple development challenges simultaneously—land use efficiency, renewable energy generation, water conservation, economic diversification, improved livelihoods, and climate resilience - with both adaptation and mitigation co-benefits. This integrated approach makes it one of the most transformative solutions for enhancing food/nutrition, energy and water security and promoting climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa.

"Agrivoltaics combines renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, addressing climate change, food security, and energy access. Investing in this innovative approach supports resilient food systems, mitigates climate impacts, and promotes sustainable development in Africa, aligning with global sustainability goals."

ANNEX 2

Consortium for Sustainable Agrivoltaics (C4SA)

“Agrivoltaics for Africa (blended finance) Facility” - A4AF

Business Case and Blended Finance Approach for Agrivoltaics in Africa

Why Invest in Agrivoltaics?

Strategic Relevance: Agrivoltaics combines renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, addressing climate change, food security, and energy access. Investing in this innovative approach supports resilient food systems, mitigates climate impacts, and promotes sustainable development in Africa, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Market Potential: Africa's extensive agricultural lands and high solar irradiance provide significant opportunities for agrivoltaic systems. The agricultural sector is vital to the economy, and there is a growing demand for renewable energy. This creates a unique market potential for high-growth, high-impact investments in agrivoltaics, further bolstered by the emphasis on sustainability and green investments.
Financial Returns: Agrivoltaic systems offer diverse revenue streams from electricity sales, improved crop yields, and carbon credits. These income sources enhance financial viability, reduce operational costs for farmers through reliable energy supply, and improve economic returns.
Risk Mitigation: Agrivoltaics helps mitigate climate-related risks like droughts and extreme weather by creating microclimates that protect crops. This enhances resilience and sustainability, crucial for stable agricultural investments.

Activities to Stimulate Private Investments

De-risking Mechanisms: The African Agrivoltaics Blended Finance Facility (A4AF) will include a EUR 100 million De-risking Layer to fund research, pilot projects, soft loans, and risk guarantees, lowering entry barriers for private investors by mitigating initial investment risks.
Public-Private Partnerships: Strong partnerships between governments, private sectors, and international organizations will facilitate market access, regulatory support, and alignment of interests, encouraging private investments.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Technical assistance and capacity building for local stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation and sustainability of agrivoltaic projects, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability.
Demonstration Projects: High-visibility pilot projects showcasing the benefits and viability of agrivoltaics will serve as proof of concept, attracting further investments by demonstrating practical and financial benefits.

Necessity of a Blended Finance Approach

Leveraging Resources: Blended finance combines public and private funds, leveraging additional resources for development projects. Public funds absorb initial risks and provide guarantees, attracting private capital that might otherwise hesitate due to perceived risks.
Addressing Market Failures: Blended finance addresses market failures and financing gaps by supporting projects that overcome high upfront costs and technical expertise shortages, ensuring feasibility where purely commercial financing is insufficient.
Enhancing Impact: By aligning public and private investor interests, blended finance enhances social and environmental impacts, ensuring projects deliver financial returns while contributing to broader development goals like food security, poverty reduction, and climate resilience.

Donor Component

Initial Seed Funding: Donor contributions will provide initial seed funding for the De-risking Layer of the A4AF, supporting research, pilot projects, and risk mitigation measures to create a favorable environment for private investments.
Grants and Technical Assistance: Donors can offer grants and technical assistance for capacity building, knowledge transfer, and policy development, crucial for building the necessary infrastructure and frameworks for long-term success.
Policy Support: Donor engagement can influence policy changes, creating an enabling environment for agrivoltaic investments by ensuring supportive policies and regulations.

Convincing Business Investors

Demonstrating Business Benefits: Articulate the business benefits of agrivoltaics in each project, showcasing potential financial returns, market opportunities, and enhancements to agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Highlighting Success Stories: Present case studies and success stories, such as the Heggelbach Solar Farm in Germany and a pilot project in Kajiado County, Kenya, to provide tangible evidence of viability and benefits.
Engaging Key Stakeholders: Involve prominent organizations like Confagricoltura and AfDB to lend credibility and support, building trust and attracting further private investments.
Clear Value Proposition: Present a compelling value proposition outlining the unique benefits of agrivoltaics, emphasizing clean energy production, enhanced agricultural yields, and broader social and environmental impacts.

Business Benefits of Agrivoltaics

Potential Financial Returns: Multiple revenue streams from electricity sales, improved crop yields, and carbon credits.
Market Opportunities: Growing demand for renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, supported by government and international incentives.
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability: Microclimate benefits, diversified income for farmers, and environmental benefits. Solar-powered pump irrigation will have a significant impact on agricultural productivity.
Value-added Manufacturing: Farmers can use renewable electricity to boost the value-add of their agricultural production. This often leads to a significant increase in income for local communities by powering essential infrastructure like cooling facilities, processing equipment, etc.

By addressing these key areas, the Consortium for Sustainable Agrivoltaics plans to scale up private investment and drive real change in food, energy and water security and sustainable development in Africa.

Proposal

The Secretariat for the C4SA will construct a commercially-targeted “Agrivoltaics for Africa Facility” (A4AF) using public seed funding of EUR 100 million to catalyze at least EUR 500 million in additional private investments.

De-risking Layer (EUR 100 million)

Construction of the C4SA Secretariat.
Grants for Research and Pilot Projects: Support innovative agrivoltaic technologies and initial project implementation.
Soft Loans for Project Initiation: Provide low-interest loans to reduce early-stage project costs.
Risk Guarantees: Offer political and financial risk insurance.

Leverage Layer (EUR 500 million)

Mobilizing Commercial Loans: Encourage financial institutions to provide loans for projects.
Issuing Bonds: Develop green bonds for funding agrivoltaic projects.
Equity Investments: Attract venture capital and private equity.
Patient Capital: Secure investments from development finance institutions and impact investors.