The potential for green energy production in agriculture

The agricultural sector makes a crucial contribution to the Netherlands’ target of 100% renewable energy by 2050. Excluding greenhouse horticulture, the sector already meets 80% of its own energy needs. Nearly 50% of renewable energy projects are linked to farmers. Production from solar, wind and biomass grew from 6.27 TWh in 2015 to 7.44 TWh in 2016. Space on rooftops and agricultural land offers great potential, particularly through combinations of solar panels and energy-efficient practices. Barriers include economic, environmental and policy-related factors. The sector is essential for achieving the 2030 target of 70 per cent renewable electricity.