– by EUREC
On 19 September, RES4LIVE held an online session presenting the policy recommendations based on the research and development efforts in the project, which focused on incorporating technological advancements and sustainable energy solutions to intensive livestock farming practices. The session began with an introduction to the project by Dimitrios Tyris, Project Coordinator (AUA). The eight policy recommendations were then presented by Anna Spoden and Nicolas de la Vega (EUREC). The policy recommendations centred around policy needs and approaches in the following focus areas:
- The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- Renewable Energy Technologies (BioCNG, PVT, Heat pumps)
- Country profiles for RES4LIVE pilot farm locations: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy
- Agricultural Building Standards
- Diversifying farmers’ income streams
Following the presentation of the policy recommendations, Anna Spoden led a panel discussion regarding the barriers and opportunities to renewables in livestock farming. The discussion featured project partners Alexander Loris (MG Sustainable Engineering), Petros Tegenaw (ILVO), and Apostolos Gkountas (Psyctotherm). Petros Tegenaw noted the installation processes at ILVO, including the energy demands of the farm and the practical challenges which were encountered, including the limitations of the building for the space and weight of installations as well as the cost and limited availability of certified plumbers for installation. He also spoke about the national workshops and direct discussions with farmers which took place during demonstration days, which indicated that investment costs are the main hurdle for RES investment. Alexander Loris, the technical expert on PVT technology in the project, spoke about the installation process and the different systems for each farm and stressed the benefits and efficiencies of combined PVT and heat pump systems (especially by reducing grid congestion). Skills and high installation costs due to lack of skilled workers are major barriers to uptake; for all farms, the installation cost was over the material cost. Finally, Apostolos Gkountas explained the innovative heat pump systems completed during the course of the project as well as the benefits of combined heat storage technology (such as with PVT and heat pumps, or heat pumps and geothermal units) to combat fluctuating energy costs.
A second panel discussion followed, focused on the future of EU agriculture. Featuring Jurgen Tack (Secretary General, European Landowners’ Organization) and Nelli Hajdu (Secretary General, The European Liaison Committee for Agricultural and Agri-Food Trade), the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture was presented. The Strategic Dialogue was a 7-month initiative to bring together experts from across the European agri-food sectors to determine policy recommendations and align political discourse more fully in the agri-food industry. Both speakers presented the work of the Strategic Dialogue, including its recommendations for a systematic approach for benchmarking different certification systems for farming (e.g. Nitrates Directive; water quality; GHG reduction). The Strategic Dialogue also recommended specific financing measures, such as a temporary Just Transition Fund for agriculture and an EU-wide animal welfare labelling scheme. It is clear that agriculture will play a bigger role in European policy, particularly as it affects the European energy sector, economy, and trade. Yet as the Strategic Dialogue was not based on scientific fact or technical studies, it is imperative that projects such as RES4LIVE ground policy to scientific learning and technical studies. In closing, Dimitrios Tyris reflected on the need to connect the project’s technical work with the bigger policy picture and to understand the project’s achievements as a step forward in a longer journey towards a more sustainable EU agricultural future.
© EAAP
