AgriVOLTages – Agrivoltaics for Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy Integration in VET

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The International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża is implementing the international project AgriVOLTages – Agrivoltaics for Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy Integration in VET, funded under the Erasmus+ programme, action KA220-VET – Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training. MANS in Łomża serves as the project coordinator.

The project will run for 24 months, from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027, with total funding of EUR 400,000.

AgriVOLTages addresses the growing need to develop skills in agrivoltaics, an innovative approach combining agricultural production with renewable energy generation using photovoltaic installations. The project supports the green transition, the development of renewable energy sources, modern agriculture and vocational education aligned with labour market needs.

The project aims to modernise vocational education in agrivoltaics through modern educational methods, including digital tools, VR technology, artificial intelligence, hybrid learning models and practical training materials. It seeks to enhance the skills of farmers, vocational education teachers and trainers, students and renewable energy professionals.

The main objective of AgriVOLTages is to develop a modern vocational learning pathway in agrivoltaics, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the design, installation, operation and management of agrivoltaic systems.

The project includes:

• developing modular training materials on agrivoltaic systems,
• preparing 12 interactive VR scenarios to support practical learning in system installation, operation and optimisation,
• creating a knowledge-sharing platform for farmers, educators, students and energy sector experts,
• using artificial intelligence tools to support learning and decision-making,
• developing multilingual educational materials,
• organising field visits, training events, webinars and dissemination activities,
• supporting environmentally friendly farming practices, efficient land use and the development of renewable energy sources.

AgriVOLTages will deliver activities in five main areas:

As coordinator, MANS in Łomża is responsible for project management, cooperation with partners, monitoring the schedule, the quality of results and the proper implementation of activities in accordance with Erasmus+ rules.

The project will develop modular training materials covering, among other topics, the fundamentals of agrivoltaic systems, installation and maintenance, energy management, financial viability, the selection of technological solutions and the use of agrivoltaics in different agricultural and climatic conditions.

One of the project's key outputs will be VR training scenarios. These will enable participants to practise skills in a safe digital environment, including the installation, operation, maintenance and optimisation of agrivoltaic systems.

The project will establish the Hybrid Agrivoltaic Learning Network, a digital, international network for sharing knowledge. The network will support cooperation among farmers, VET trainers, students, renewable energy experts, educational institutions and agricultural stakeholders. The platform is intended to include mentoring, expert consultations, interactive modules and AI-supported tools.

The project includes promotion, communication and dissemination activities, such as preparing information materials, organising local events, webinars and stakeholder meetings, social media activities and developing a plan to sustain the results.

The project will produce, among other outputs:

• the AgriVOLTages training package,
• 12 educational modules on agrivoltaics,
• 12 VR simulations and scenarios,
• a hybrid network for learning and knowledge sharing,
• an AI-supported educational tool,
• multilingual materials for participants from different countries,
• reports on policies, sustainability and the use of results,
• national and international field visits,
• promotion and dissemination events.

The project is aimed at people and institutions involved in agriculture, vocational education and renewable energy. The main target groups are:

• farmers and agricultural producers,
• students and pupils on programmes related to agriculture, energy and environmental technologies,
• vocational education teachers and trainers,
• renewable energy experts,
• agricultural advisers and agronomists,
• educational institutions,
• sector organisations, agricultural cooperatives and rural development bodies,
• policymakers and stakeholders responsible for energy, agriculture and education policies.

AgriVOLTages is implemented by an international consortium of six partners from Poland, Denmark, Türkiye, Belgium, Italy and Bulgaria. The partnership combines the experience of higher education institutions, research institutions, sustainable development organisations and bodies specialising in green and digital technologies.

Project coordinator

MANS in Łomża is responsible for coordinating the project, managing the consortium's activities and overseeing the delivery of planned results. The Academy contributes experience in practical education, international cooperation and developing educational programmes that respond to labour market needs and the green transition.

Aarhus University is an academic partner supporting the development of the project's educational framework and the validation of scientific knowledge on agrivoltaics for practical vocational education. The partner contributes expertise in research on agriculture, renewable energy, land use and climate resilience.

Bursa Uludağ University contributes expertise in agricultural education, precision farming and solutions relevant to arid and semi-arid regions. The partner supports the development of educational content and vocational skills related to the installation, operation and management of agrivoltaic systems.

Sustainable Development Studies Network specialises in sustainable development, education and international knowledge exchange. Within the project, the partner plays an important role in developing the hybrid learning network, supporting cooperation among farmers, trainers, experts and renewable energy stakeholders. SDSN is also responsible for activities related to multilingualism, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy's National Research Council, is a research partner in the project. CNR contributes expertise in scientific research, public policy, innovation and sustainable development. Its responsibilities include promotion, communication, dissemination and activities supporting the use of results in the wider European context.

Green Solutions Lab is a Bulgarian partner specialising in green technologies, digital education, AI-based tools and immersive technologies. Within the project, it is responsible for developing VR solutions and digital training tools that will enable participants to acquire practical skills in an engaging and safe learning environment.

AgriVOLTages supports the development of modern vocational education in Europe by bringing together three key areas: agriculture, renewable energy and digital technologies. The project will help improve access to specialist knowledge on agrivoltaics, prepare a workforce for the green economy and strengthen cooperation among education, science, agriculture and the energy sector.

The project's long-term impact will be to enhance vocational skills in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, while promoting solutions that support efficient land use, a smaller carbon footprint and the development of climate-resilient agriculture.