Romania is in an accelerated energy transition process, and one of the main pillars of this process is the expansion of photovoltaic capacities, says Iulian Nedea, one of the founders of Simtel Team.
“It is estimated that in the next, by 2030, we will have put into operation 5,000 MWp of solar energy, which has generated intense debates about the impact on agricultural land. A common question is: are we sacrificing agriculture for renewable energy? Romania has a total area of 23.008 million hectares, of which: 12.678 million hectares are agricultural land, including 8.211 million hectares of arable land, 4.073 million hectares of meadows and pastures, 6.929 million hectares of forested areas and 3.410 million hectares of other types of land. To install the 5,000 MWp of solar energy, approximately 5,000 hectares of land or roof are needed. 1 MW installed occupies 1 hectare of land or roof. Compared to Romania’s arable land (8.211 million hectares), this represents only 0.06%”, said Iulian Nedea.
In reality, however, half of these parks are built on former industrial platforms, contaminated land, roofs. Thus, the required arable land effectively used for photovoltaics is only 2,500 hectares, or 0.03% of the total, and this is of poor quality. If these projects were implemented entirely on degraded lands, the impact on agriculture would be zero, he said.
Romania already has approximately 780,000 hectares of arable land affected by desertification, which means 156 times more than the area needed for these photovoltaic parks. If these projects were implemented entirely on degraded lands, the impact on agriculture would be zero.
Instead of occupying fertile agricultural lands, many projects are developed on degraded, industrial or contaminated lands or on rooftops. For example, Simtel Team has 70 MWp under construction in 5 projects, all located on lands with no agricultural value: three projects on abandoned industrial platforms, in degraded areas, CETs and ash pits, one project on oil-contaminated land, where there were oil wells, impossible to use in agriculture and one project on sandy, but also swampy land, which cannot support agricultural crops.
A photovoltaic project installed in Romania produces an average of 1,400 MWh/MW installed, one of the best yields in Europe.
“Everyone wins: land owners receive a secure and advantageous rent, investors create modern energy infrastructure, reducing dependence on imports, and Romania advances towards energy independence and the green transition,” Nedea added.
“The idea that photovoltaic parks “destroy” Romanian agriculture is a myth. The area occupied is tiny compared to the available agricultural land. Many owners earn more from renting land for solar energy than from agriculture. Romania has an exceptional yield in photovoltaic energy production, which makes this transition extremely efficient. If projects are implemented on degraded or desertified land, the impact on agriculture is zero.
“In contrast, the benefits are huge: reduced energy imports, greater energy independence, lower carbon emissions and increased economic security for Romania.
Ultimately, we must view the energy transition as an opportunity, not a threat. Romania has all the assets to combine photovoltaic development and supporting agriculture in a sustainable way,” Iulian Nedea added.
