The Sustainable and Educational Agrovoltaic Plot (PASE, for its letters in Spanish), developed by the Renewable Energy Institute (IER, for its letters in Spanish) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM, for its letters in Spanish), represents a groundbreaking approach to mitigating climate change in Mexico. This innovative system combines agricultural production with solar energy, optimizing land use and promoting sustainability and clean energy.
PASE was developed through a collaboration between IER-UNAM (for its letters in Spanish) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics (FMVZ, for its letters in Spanish), with additional support from the Secretariat of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SECTEI, for its letters in Spanish) of Mexico City. It is also part of an international consortium that includes institutions from France, Morocco, Israel, Kenya, and the United States. The first PASE pilot project is located at the FMVZ facilities at UNAM.
Although specific cost details per unit are not publicly disclosed, SECTEI has funded the project, highlighting strong government support for sustainable initiatives in the region.
How It Works
PASE integrates photovoltaic panels with agricultural land, enabling dual use. Solar panels generate clean electricity while providing partial shade to crops, which creates a microclimate that can improve agricultural yields. The system is particularly suited for regions with high solar radiation, where conventional agriculture may face challenges.
Electricity generated by the system can power nearby facilities or be fed into the grid while crops grow beneath the panels. This dual functionality efficiently uses limited resources to ensure renewable energy production and food security.
Training and Resources
To operate and maintain the agrovoltaic system effectively, specialized training is required. Farmers and technicians must understand how to manage the microclimates created by the panels and maintain the photovoltaic infrastructure. UNAM, through IER and FMVZ, provides training programs that include educational workshops and hands-on experience to ensure the successful implementation of the system.
Adoption in Mexico
PASE is the first agro-voltaic system implemented in Mexico and is a model for future projects. Its potential scalability is immense, particularly in regions with high solar radiation, such as the Bajío and northern Mexico. With robust governmental and institutional support, this technology is expected to expand and set a precedent for similar installations nationwide.
Environmental Impact
PASE significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel-based energy with solar power. It also decreases the carbon footprint of agricultural operations while supporting renewable energy generation. Furthermore, the shading provided by the panels reduces water evaporation, conserving water resources and further lowering environmental impacts.
Studies indicate that agro-voltaic systems can enhance land-use efficiency by up to 60%, simultaneously addressing two critical climate challenges: energy production and agricultural sustainability.
Effectiveness and Benefits
Preliminary data from international studies on similar systems suggest that agro-voltaic installations can substantially reduce CO2 emissions by generating clean electricity and offsetting traditional energy sources. In Mexico, PASE has demonstrated its potential as a scalable solution for the agricultural and energy sectors.
This technology addresses a critical gap by solving the competing land-use demands of agriculture and energy production. Unlike traditional solar farms, which require large land areas and displace agricultural activities, agro-voltaic systems like PASE combine the two, creating a more sustainable and cost-efficient approach.
Challenges and Unintended Consequences
Despite their numerous benefits, agro-voltaic systems can present challenges. For instance, the conditions optimal for crops may not always align with those needed for solar panels, requiring careful selection of plant species. Additionally, the installation process can be resource-intensive, though the long-term benefits outweigh these initial challenges.
International Relevance
Agrovoltaic systems are successfully used in countries like France, Germany, and India, where they address land-use conflicts while promoting renewable energy. Mexico’s PASE project aligns with these international efforts, positioning the country as a leader in agrovoltaic innovation in Latin America.
This Post was submitted by the Climate Scorecard Mexico Country Manager Pablo Necoechea.