The AgriVOLTages project arises from an urgent need to merge agricultural productivity with renewable energy generation in Europe’s rural regions. As the agricultural sector faces increasing challenges due to climate change, land scarcity, and energy demands, agrivoltaics emerges as a sustainable solution that enables simultaneous food and energy production. However, a significant knowledge gap persists among vocational education and training professionals, farmers, and technicians regarding the design, implementation, and management of agrivoltaic systems.
To address this gap, the project seeks to develop an integrated framework that combines innovative learning methodologies with applied research and digital tools. By introducing interactive, multilingual training resources and immersive technologies, AgriVOLTages aims to empower the next generation of agricultural professionals with the skills and competencies required for Europe’s green transition and renewable energy integration.
The project is implemented over a 24-month period (October 2025 – September 2027) under the Erasmus+ KA220-VET programme. The programme is structured around a well-defined timeline involving collaborative design, testing, and dissemination activities led by international partners. Each phase ensures that project outputs align with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In this project, partners will co-develop digital learning platforms, VR-based training simulations, and a hybrid agrivoltaic network connecting farmers, researchers, and VET institutions. The programme will culminate in national training events, multiplier sessions, and an EU-wide conference to foster sector-wide adoption and cross-border cooperation.
The central aim of AgriVOLTages is to strengthen vocational training for sustainable agriculture through the adoption of agrivoltaic systems and renewable energy integration. This will be achieved by enhancing digital and green skills, promoting innovation in agricultural education, and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and rural communities.
Specifically, the project seeks to (1) create an agrivoltaic knowledge base, (2) design interactive simulations and VR learning tools, (3) establish a hybrid learning network, (4) promote inclusive and accessible training, and (5) disseminate results to ensure long-term sectoral impact across Europe.
The project’s main target groups include farmers, agricultural engineers, VET educators, students, and rural entrepreneurs seeking to modernize agricultural practices with renewable energy solutions. These groups will directly benefit from the hybrid learning system and multilingual open-access resources.
Indirectly, AgriVOLTages also addresses policymakers, local authorities, and sustainability organizations aiming to promote climate-smart agriculture and support the green transition. By integrating digital tools and inclusive learning practices, the project ensures equitable participation for women, NEET youth, and marginalized rural communities.
To achieve its objectives, the project is structured around five key Work Packages:
– Project Management: ensures quality, coordination, and efficient communication across partners.
– Agrivoltaic Knowledge Base Development produces 12 specialized training modules on system design, maintenance, and optimization.
– Interactive Scenarios and VR Test Environments develops immersive simulations for hands-on learning in agrivoltaic design.
– Hybrid Agrivoltaic Learning Network builds an online multilingual platform for collaboration, peer learning, and open-source knowledge sharing.
– Dissemination and Promotion focuses on stakeholder engagement through workshops, conferences, and outreach campaigns.
Together, these WPs create a coherent and impactful pathway toward sustainable capacity building in the agrivoltaic sector.
The AgriVOLTages consortium brings together six expert institutions with complementary expertise:
1. Międzynarodowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Łomży (Poland) – Coordinator. Specializes in applied sciences and vocational education with strong agricultural research capacities.
2. Aarhus University (Denmark) – Provides expertise in agrivoltaic trials and precision agriculture.
3. Bursa Uludağ University (Türkiye) – Contributes through its Faculty of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, offering strong R&D capacity in sustainable farming.
4. Sustainable Development Studies Network (Belgium) – Leads sustainability-oriented education and dissemination efforts.
5. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy) – Brings advanced research experience in bioeconomy and renewable energy.
6. Green Solutions Lab (Bulgaria) – Integrates AI, XR/VR, and gamified education models into the project’s digital learning environment.
Each partner contributes a unique blend of scientific, educational, and technological strengths, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion in vocational training.