SAGE -
Sustainable Agrivoltaic Grazing Ecosystem:
Agroecological Synergies through Ruminant Integration for Enhanced Environmental and Economic Benefits
Short description on project involvement of the UP/UB:
The University of Potsdam is jointly responsible for coordinating and implementing the SAGE project as a co-coordinator together with the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN). Furthermore, UP will contribute to experimental design, analysis of vegetation responses, biodiversity, microclimate and soil processes under the photovoltaic modules, and assessment of animal health and welfare using virtual fencing collars.
| Aims | SAGE is an interdisciplinary initiative that integrates renewable energy production with extensive grazing systems in agrivoltaics (solar grazing). By combining agrivoltaics and virtual fencing, SAGE aims to enhance land-use efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem resilience, addressing key challenges in sustainable agriculture, land management, and climate change adaptation. |
| Approach | The project investigates the interactions between photovoltaic systems, grazing livestock, and ecosystem processes across diverse European climatic and regulatory regions. Combining field experiments with virtual fencing technology, the project assesses impacts on ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, and biodiversity to develop sustainable and adaptive solar grazing systems. |
| Expected Outcome | SAGE will provide evidence-based management strategies and guidelines for sustainable agrivoltaic grazing systems that improve biodiversity, animal welfare, ecosystem services, and land-use efficiency while contributing to Europe's climate and energy goals. |
Persons involved
| dina.hamidi@uni-potsdam.de |
| Cooperation partners |
|
| Outreach | Through Living Labs, stakeholder engagement, workshops, and dissemination activities, SAGE will promote knowledge exchange and facilitate the uptake of sustainable solar grazing practices among farmers, policymakers, industry, and the wider public across Europe |
