The global Agrivoltaic industry, which merges solar energy generation with agriculture, is now pivoting toward on-site green hydrogen production. Originally developed to enable crops and livestock to coexist with solar farms, agrivoltaics—also known as agri-PV—has quickly evolved into a platform for clean technology innovation. The latest development focuses on using solar power to produce green hydrogen, offering farmers a new, off-grid fuel and energy storage solution.

Researchers at the University of Exeter are among those exploring the feasibility of this dual-use approach. Earlier this year, the team conducted a financial analysis of a simulated agrivoltaic and green hydrogen system based on a 1-gigawatt solar power plant. The model proposed using electricity from solar panels to power electrolysers that produce hydrogen through water electrolysis, offering a more sustainable alternative to hydrogen derived from fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal.

While water electrolysis is a clean process, the cost of producing green hydrogen remains high. The technology’s slow adoption has been marked by several failed projects, especially in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). However, governments in key markets continue to push forward with policy incentives that support hydrogen infrastructure and industrial-scale production. Automakers like BMW and Hyundai have also reiterated their long-term commitment to hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The University of Exeter study assessed the potential for agrivoltaic-hydrogen systems to strengthen energy resilience and support food production, particularly in regions such as Australia, California, China, Nigeria, and Spain. The simulated model used tomato crops to evaluate how integrated systems could meet the dual objectives of agricultural output and renewable hydrogen generation. The research suggests that combining green hydrogen production with agrivoltaic systems could improve farmers’ self-sufficiency while supplying hydrogen for fuel cell vehicle refuelling.

“The novelty of this report is derived from this being the first investigation into simulating the integration of hydrogen production with large-scale agrivoltaic systems that address the energy needs of farmers, enhance their self-sufficiency, and mitigate range anxiety among fuel cell vehicle users,” the researchers stated. The study highlights agrivoltaics’ growing role in shaping a more sustainable and diversified global energy landscape.

Source:

https://cleantechnica.com/2025/10/27/the-agrivoltaic-movement-pivots-to-green-hydrogen/