Techno-agroecological Potential of Integrated Agrivoltaic Systems in Olive Trees located in Southern Spain
Document Type : Research Article
Authors
Advances in Photovoltaic Technology(AdPVTech), CEACTEMA, University of Jaén(UJA), Las Lagunillas Campus, Jaén 23071, Spain.
Abstract
Olivoltaics, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems within olive groves, offers a promising pathway to reconcile renewable energy expansion with Mediterranean agriculture. This study evaluates the techno-agroecological potential of olivoltaic systems in southern Spain, combining a structured literature synthesis with a regional case study. Scenarios for Andalusia, the world’s leading olive-producing region, considering system design variables (module transparency, tilt, and height), land allocation fractions, and cultivar light responses are assessed. Results indicate that deploying olivoltaic systems on 80,000 ha of intensive and super-intensive olive groves could generate ~15 TWh/year of electricity, reduce CO₂ emissions by 3.8 Mt/year, save 12–30% of irrigation water, and create over 24,000 jobs, while maintaining land equivalent ratios above 1.3. However, uncertainties remain regarding long-term yield stability, olive oil quality, pest dynamics, and ecological effects, underscoring the need for multi-year pilot projects. The findings demonstrate the potential of olivoltaics as a regional climate adaptation and mitigation strategy, while also providing a roadmap for future empirical research and policy development.
Keywords
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