Landowners play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy - and stand to gain significantly in the process. ”Land is needed for the transition, and some farmers become energy farmers as a result”, says Patrick Lemcke-Braselmann, Co-CEO of aream Group SE. ”Nowadays, the land can even serve a dual purpose – for both energy generation and for agricultural cultivation.”

The advantages of the energy transition go far beyond climate protection. ”Security of supply, economic stability and strategic considerations will further accelerate the transition”, says Lemcke-Braselmann. Farmers are at the forefront of this transformation with the unique opportunity to combine agricultural production with renewable energy generation. While wind farms have played a significant role in the past, photovoltaic systems and battery storage are now particularly attractive. 

”By installing PV systems or setting up a battery storage system, farmers are contributing to the energy transition and creating reliable revenue streams”, says Lemcke-Braselmann. Thanks to the new developments in agri-PV, agricultural use remains intact, as the areas can still be cultivated, with module rows adapted to accommodate agricultural machinery. The loss of land is limited to around 15 per cent and the agricultural status, including eligibility for (EU) subsidies, is preserved.

Battery energy storage solutions are still rather rare, but increasingly essential. ”These systems require minimal space”, says Lemcke-Braselmann. They can be operated economically from 1,000 square metres or on a maximum area of one hectare. Plots of land near substations or industrial estates are ideal.

If the storage systems are operated correctly, they support the grid, balance out fluctuations, reduce electricity prices for everyone in the medium term and ensure a stable supply of renewable energy. They also reduce the need for costly grid extension. ”Additionally, they enable the purchase of electricity at low prices and resale at higher prices”, says Lemcke-Braselmann. ”This creates completely new business models, as these services are provided by specialised companies that operate the storage facilities and lease the space for them.” 

Secure lease income over 20 years, no planning or operating risk and a dismantling guarantee at the end of the project. ”In this way, the energy transition also creates new sources of income for farmers without having to give up traditional farming”, says Lemcke-Braselmann.