GIS-based technical analysis of the local renewable energy production potentials of farms in Germany

Lea von Rüden, Barbara Satola, Nies Reininghaus, Michael Kröner, Martin Vehse, Alexander Dyck and Carsten Agert

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 212, issue C

Abstract: This study evaluates the potential for integrating renewable energy on farms in Germany. Using Geographic Information Systems, the research assesses the spatial distribution of potential locations for renewable power plants, considering various datasets associated with animal husbandry, existing power plants, farm locations, and meteorological conditions. The analysis reveals potential for small-scale wind and photovoltaic power plants. In particular, the potential for small-scale wind power plants is approximately 4 TWh/a, concentrated mainly in the northern regions of Germany. For photovoltaic power plants, the total potential is estimated at around 637 TWh/a, with a distribution of 56 % for ground-mounted systems, 37 % for agrivoltaic systems, and 7 % for rooftop photovoltaics. The distribution of photovoltaic systems indicates, that ground-mounted systems are predominantly located in the eastern part, rooftop systems in the northwest, and agrivoltaics in Rhineland-Palatine and Baden-Württemberg. The study also identifies near surface geothermal potential in the northwest, Molasse, and Rhine basins. The overview provides valuable insights into optimal locations for sustainable energy production for farmers.

Keywords: Agriculture; Geographical information system; Resource mapping; Wind power plant; Photovoltaic power plant; Geothermal resources; Agrivoltaics; Potential analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115412

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