In Sri Lanka, as per the scattered evidence, a number of ground solar projects, with varying land plot sizes, are in operation at present. Some of such ground-mounted solar farms could be found in fertile lands in the Western Province.
More alarmingly, land owners have shown increasing interest in converting their arable lands to ground-mounted solar projects disregarding long-term food security implications. It is not clear to what extent policy makers are aware about these developments on the ground. Hence, it is imperative that policy makers act fast to avoid land-use conflicts and meet these dual objectives in a harmonious manner. Delays in introducing sound policy framework could lead to irresolvable conflicts damaging food security and renewable energy drive.
Food security, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), involves ensuring that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times. Agricultural systems depend on land, water, and other resources to produce food.
When large-scale ground-mounted solar projects are developed, they often require significant land areas, which could potentially displace agricultural activities. This creates a potential conflict, especially in regions where arable land is scarce and food production is already under pressure due to factors such as climate change, population growth, and land degradation.
The key concerns surrounding ground-mounted solar projects and food security include:
Land use conflicts: Solar farms require large areas of land, and in regions with limited arable land, dedicating land solely for energy generation could reduce the available space for food production. In some cases, this could drive up food prices and exacerbate food insecurity, particularly in developing countries.
Displacement of agricultural activities: When solar projects are installed on productive agricultural land, farmers may be forced to move their operations elsewhere, leading to reduced crop yields or increased production costs. This can have negative impacts on local food systems and livelihoods, particularly in rural communities that depend on farming.
Environmental and ecological impact: Large-scale solar projects may alter local ecosystems, affecting soil health, water availability, and biodiversity. Such changes could influence agricultural productivity and harm natural resources essential for food production. While ground-mounted solar projects and food production may seem to be in direct competition for land and resources, several strategies can enable the coexistence of these two vital sectors. By adopting thoughtful, innovative approaches, ground-mounted solar farms can contribute to both energy and food security.
Policy framework is a must
Effective land-use planning is central to balancing the needs of solar energy development with food production. Policymakers must prioritise strategic land-use zoning that identifies suitable areas for solar projects, while preserving critical agricultural lands for food production. Policies should encourage the development of solar farms on non-arable land such as degraded or marginal land, deserts, or other areas that are unsuitable for farming.
This would ensure that solar projects do not encroach on productive agricultural land. Governments should incentivise developers to consider these lands by providing financial benefits or streamlining permitting processes for such sites. Non-arable land could include marginal land, such as barren or degraded land, deserts, or areas unsuitable for farming due to poor soil quality, water scarcity, or other environmental challenges.
By choosing such land for solar projects, the development of renewable energy does not directly compete with agricultural land.In many regions, large expanses of land are available for solar development, but they are not suitable for crop production.
This strategy not only preserves arable land for food production but also revitalises otherwise underused land, which can contribute to economic growth and job creation in rural areas. Governments and local authorities can play a crucial role in ensuring that solar projects are developed in a way that does not undermine food security.
Effective land-use planning policies and zoning regulations can help identify suitable locations for solar projects while protecting agricultural land. Government incentives and subsidies could also encourage the development of agrivoltaics and other integrated solutions, making it easier for farmers to adopt solar technologies.
Transparent policies that promote community involvement in decision-making processes can ensure that local populations, including farmers, have a say in where and how solar projects are developed. Collaborative approaches can help balance the needs of both food and energy production.
Combining solar and agriculture
One of the most promising solutions to the land-use conflict between solar power generation and food production is agrivoltaics, which refers to the simultaneous use of land for both solar power generation and agriculture.
Agrivoltaics involves installing solar panels above crops or grazing land, allowing for dual land use. This approach can take many forms, such as raising solar panels higher above crops to allow for farming underneath, or integrating solar panels into existing agricultural operations like vineyards or orchards.
Agrivoltaics can provide several benefits:
Shade for crops: Solar panels can provide shade, which can be especially beneficial in hot climates by reducing heat stress on crops and conserving water.
For example, shading can reduce evaporation from soil, helping to conserve water resources in water-scarce areas.
Diversified income for farmers: Farmers can earn additional income from leasing their land to solar developers or selling the electricity generated by solar panels. This income can help stabilise farm finances, particularly in areas where agriculture alone may not be profitable or sustainable.
Improved resource efficiency: By optimising land use, agrivoltaics can improve land productivity. In some cases, it may even help reduce the environmental impact of farming by encouraging sustainable practices such as reduced water use, less pesticide use, and better soil conservation.
A sustainable future for energy and food
Ground-mounted solar projects have the potential to play a significant role in addressing the world’s energy needs while contributing to climate change mitigation. However, to ensure that these projects align with food security objectives, careful planning and integration are necessary.
By implementing strategies such as agrivoltaics, selecting non-arable land for solar farms, and fostering agro-solar systems, it is possible to strike a balance between renewable energy development and food production.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a sustainable future where food and energy are abundant, resilient, and accessible to all.
Through thoughtful policies, innovative technologies, and a commitment to sustainable development, ground-mounted solar projects can contribute to a world that meets the growing demands for energy while safeguarding food security for future generations.
The writer is an Economics Professor at the University of Colombo
