Research

The aim of the study is to identify those biogas plants that could use regionally available biogenic residues and waste materials and where biomethane production would be possible at the same time due to their proximity to the gas grid. Based on three to four model regions in Austria, the biogas plant data will be collected and the available and realisable potentials of biogenic residues and waste materials will be determined on the municipal as well as on the site level. Furthermore, a survey will be conducted for the use as biomethane and a possible gas feed-in. The concept is to be developed in such a way that it can be transferred to all Austrian regions. A graphical model is to be developed with the geo-information software QGIS, which will provide a visual representation of the biogas plants in question and can also be transferred to other regions.

The research project brings together several different research fields with the aim of developing and implementing innovative solutions for agriculture. The focus is on the integration of technologies to increase efficiency, save resources and adapt to climate change. Project management (work package 1) defines the organisational framework. Work package 2 involves the collection of project-specific data, which serves as the basis for the development of rough concepts in the practical trials (work package 4). Practically relevant data generated in WP4 will be analysed in WP2 and will also be incorporated into the design of WP5, which deals with responses to climate change. Data preparation and collection (work package 3) utilises the information collected in WP2 in order to process and make it available. Various methods such as interfaces via API or protocols with co-operation partners are used here. Practical trials (work package 4) are carried out in collaboration with end beneficiaries and technical experts. The aim is to use resources more efficiently, save energy and minimise the environmental impact of agriculture. Work package 5 is dedicated to the response to climate change. Based on the data from WP2 and WP3 as well as external climate data, strategies are being developed to adapt agriculture to changing climatic conditions, and semi-autonomous and autonomous agricultural technology is the focus of WP6, which researches innovative technologies for efficient use in agriculture. Work package 7 deals with PV energy concepts on farms, while work package 8 ensures the transfer of knowledge in order to put the solutions developed into practice. The overall concept aims to make agriculture more sustainable and efficient by integrating state-of-the-art technologies and comprehensive expertise.

By adapting APV/agricultural management/production and promoting the development of species-rich habitat structures, valuable, multifunctional ecosystems can be created that generate energy at the same time. In the project, two case study examples (EWS Sonnenfeld in Bruck/Leitha and Öko-Solar-Biotop Pöchlarn) of agriphotovoltaics (APV), i.e. areas on which agricultural and electricity production take place in parallel, will be analysed for the first time under the same aspects. Measurement setups already in place prior to the project will be harmonised in order to create a larger data basis, which will enable an improved interpretation of the data for practical use. The project will initially record microclimatic parameters in both APV systems with the different forms of land use (arable farming, orchards and grassland with grazing), document and optimise agricultural production on arable land and investigate cultivation under the PV modules and optimisation of these in the project. Another focus is on analysing habitat structures in the area of APV systems and measures to promote species diversity and biodiversity. The two sites are to be assessed in terms of their environmental impact using life cycle assessments and hotspots, i.e. processes that contribute particularly to environmental impacts, are to be identified. The organisation of a workshop for relevant stakeholders is intended to promote networking within the APV community as well as the exchange of experience. Finally, the findings of the project are to be summarised in a guideline or practical handbook and include recommendations for action for policymakers, farmers and energy companies. By implementing these measures, the "SoLAgri" project will make a significant contribution to the sustainable, resource-efficient and ecologically balanced development of APV systems in Austria.