Agrivoltaics in Brazil: Unlocking Potential and Business Opportunities through German-Brazilian Expertise

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Time: 10:30 am - 01:30 pm
Hall: Expo Center Norte, 1st floor
Room: Santana 1

In recent years, solar power has experienced significant global growth. Particularly, in Brazil's remote areas solar energy has a great potential since it enables decentralized and sustainable power generation with low maintenance. Yet, the land necessary for solar installations diminishes the available land for agriculture. One solution to this conflict is the implementation of agrivoltaics systems ("Agri-PV") which optimize land use efficiency by integrating agricultural activities with photovoltaic energy generation. Brazil is a major global agricultural producer, with agribusiness playing a crucial role in its economy. The versatility of Agri-PV technologies allows adaptation to both large and small-scale agriculture. The high energy demand, especially in large-scale agriculture emphasizes the need for energy self-production. Vertically installed bifacial Agri-PV systems are seen as suitable solutions capable of supporting large-scale machinery. In addition, family farming is very common in Brazil, representing 77% of agricultural establishments in Brazil and providing about 70% of the country's food. These systems offer social and economic opportunities for family farmers by providing greater energy autonomy for self-consumption and the potential for income diversification. In this workshop, you will learn more about the potential of agrivoltaics technology and the Brazilian market, gain insights into the market and previous experiences from Germany and get to know the companies from both countries that offer themselves for cooperation and joint projects in the Brazilian market.This event is organised by the German-Brazilian Energy Partnership, established as a platform for political dialogue between the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. This initiative is being realised in cooperation with the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR) and the German Solar Association (BSW).

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A special discount is available from the event organizer, GIZ Brazil. To receive the discount voucher, please contact Ms Kaya: gabriela.kaya@giz.de

10:30 am - 11:00 amWelcome

GIZ and BSW

11:00 am - 11:05 amOrganisational remarks

Kristina Kramer, Head of Secretariat, German-Brazilian Energy Partnership (moderator)

11:05 am - 11:15 amWelcome notes & introductory remarks

- Karina Sousa, Director for Energy Transition, Ministry of Mines and Energy
- Ministry of Agricultural Development (TBC)
- Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO, Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR)
- David Wedepohl, Managing Director, German Solar Association (BSW)

11:15 am - 11:30 amPresentation of the results of the study 'Techno-economic feasibility & potential study for the co-location of photovoltaic energy systems in agricultural farmland (agrivoltaic systems) in Brazil'

- Laís Cassanta Vidotto, IESS/IDEAL/FV-UFSC

11:30 am - 11:45 amAgrivoltaics: market data, product solutions & best practice from Germany

Ronald Upmann, International Project Manager, BSW

11:45 am - 12:00 pmOpportunities in a growing solar market: Agrivoltaics in Brazil

ABSOLAR

12:00 pm - 12:30 pmCompany success stories in Agrivoltaics from Germany and Brazil

- Prof. Dr. Decio Cezar da Silva, CEO, SUNfarming Holding do Brasil & Senior Research Fellow, SUNfarming Group GmbH
- Carlos Andrioli & Afonso Aguilar, ABSOLAR
- Next2Sun Mounting Systems GmbH & Colibri.energy (presented by BSW)
- Daniel Oliveira, Technical Advisor, RatedPower

12:30 pm - 12:45 pmQuestions & Answers

12:45 pm - 01:00 pmClosing remarks

- Karina Sousa, Director for Energy Transition, Ministry of Mines and Energy
- Ministry of Agricultural Development (TBC)
- Kristina Kramer, Head of Secretariat, German-Brazilian Energy Partnership (moderator)

01:00 pm - 01:30 pmNetworking lunch

To Program Overview

Further Content

Speaker

Dr. Florian Wessendorf, Solar Promotion International GmbH

Managing Director

Germany

Dr. Florian Wessendorf is Managing Director of Solar Promotion GmbH and Solar Promotion International GmbH. He is responsible for the global conference program and exhibitions in North America, South America and India. He has deep expertise in the solar industry, and formerly served as Managing Director of Photovoltaic Equipment at VDMA, where he was responsible for strategic development, market research and technology scouting, advocacy and policy advice, events, PR and marketing.

Speaker

David Wedepohl, German Solar Association, BSW Solar e.V.

Managing Director International Affairs

Germany

David Wedepohl, Managing Director International Affairs David Wedepohl is a radio journalist by training who studied and worked on both sides of the Atlantic. He holds a master's degree in Journalism and Public Affairs which he achieved as a Fulbright scholar. His professional experience included working for the German embassy in Washington, DC as a senior press and public diplomacy officer. He first came in touch with the solar industry while working for an American consulting company before taking up his job as director communications and markets at the German Solar Association, also serving as the organization's spokesperson. He now holds the position of managing director international affairs and is responsible for the association's international activities.

Speaker

Dr. Marcelo Almeida, University of Sao Paulo

Professor

Brazil

Marcelo P. Almeida holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Pará (2009) and a MSc. degree (2012) and a Dr. degree (2017) in Energy from the University of São Paulo. He is a Professor at the Institute of Energy and Environment of the University of São Paulo, with experience in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energies. He is an Associate Editor of the Brazilian Journal of Solar Energy (RBENS) in the area of Economics and Public Policy, a collaborator of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) and a member of the Board of the Brazilian Solar Energy Association (ABENS).

Speaker

Priscila Alves dos Santos, FIT Instituto de Tecnologia

Researcher & Electrical Engineer

Brazil

Priscila Santos is a researcher in the energy field at Instituto Fit. She is responsible for energy startups and applied AI and IoT training. She has in-depth knowledge of the hybrid generation industry for rural and industrial areas. Mentor of startups in the energy, automotive, agricultural and fintech segments.

Speaker

Ronaldo Koloszuk, ABSOLAR - Associação Brasileira de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica

President of the Board

Brazil

Ronaldo Koloszuk is President of ABSOLAR (Brazilian Solar Photovoltaic Energy Association), 2nd Secretary Director of FIESP (Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo) and Commercial Director of Solar Group.