HarvRESt project emerges from the pressing challenge of land use competition between the energy and agriculture sectors, a conflict heightened by the EU’s decarbonisation and climate neutrality goals. As the agriculture sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions while sustaining productivity and biodiversity, the potential for integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) directly into farms presents an untapped opportunity for systemic transformation.
Currently, there is a lack of tailored solutions that consider the complex interplay of technical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions involved in RES uptake on farms. Most initiatives fail to holistically support decision-making or reflect the actual needs and perceptions of farmers and rural communities. Moreover, knowledge is fragmented across disciplines and geographies, limiting its applicability and scalability.
HarvRESt is funded under the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-CL6-2023-CLIMATE-01) and aligns with EU strategic frameworks such as the Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Its activities contribute to strengthening the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, advancing the energy transition in the agricultural sector while safeguarding food security and rural livelihoods.
Many existing initiatives fail to consider the complex realities of farming communities or provide tailored, data-driven decision support. HarvRESt fills this gap by developing an Agricultural Virtual Power Plant (AVPP) and a Decision Support System (DSS) based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), offering farmers and policymakers actionable insights.
HarvRESt will (1) map current practices and barriers to RES integration across Europe, (2) engage farmers and stakeholders through co-creation and capacity-building, (3) develop tools for scenario modelling and optimal RES deployment, (4) demonstrate solutions in four diverse use cases across Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Norway and (5) deliver policy and business model recommendations to support replication and scale-up.
HarvRESt aims to decarbonise the agricultural sector, empower rural communities, and influence EU policy. By combining technical innovation with social engagement, the project will enable smarter energy choices at the farm level and foster a sustainable, resilient agricultural system across Europe.
