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Written question asked by Earl Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 April 2026. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Monday, 13 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Solar Power: Agriculture

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what research and support mechanisms they are providing to develop the agrivoltaics sector; and what assessment they have made of its potential contribution to energy generation and agricultural productivity.

Answer

The Government closely follows developments in the agrivoltaics sector, and supports innovative technologies, including through initiatives funded by UK Research and Innovation. In the Solar Roadmap, Government and industry committed to explore future research and demonstration opportunities for agrivoltaic systems.

Although the technology is fairly nascent in the UK, the Government believes that it can play an important role in the decarbonisation of agriculture (for example, where panels are arranged around a field). The technology also has the potential to ensure that land is used efficiently, by maximising agricultural output on land devoted to solar generation.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16118
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Agriculture Land use Solar power
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk