Exploring Sustainable Energy Solutions: Insights from Christina Makri's Presentation

At a recent stakeholders event hosted by the CINTRAN project, Mrs. Christina Makri, Research Associate at the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), took the stage to share the highlights of the COALition project. Christina's presentation shed light on the ambitious goals and innovative approaches of the COALition project.

The Core Objectives of the COALition Project

The COALition project is a collaborative initiative aimed at forging a joint strategy for sustainable energy development across three selected territories in under-transition EU states: Western Macedonia (GR), Centru (RO), and Southeastern (BG). Here's an overview of the key objectives Mrs. Makri shared:

1. Regional Excellence Hubs: The project seeks to establish regional excellence hubs in the selected territories. These hubs will serve as focal points for co-defining the regions' joint priorities and action plans to facilitate their transitions to sustainable energy systems. Importantly, this approach follows a bottom-up, multi-stakeholder participatory model, ensuring that the strategies are inclusive and reflective of local needs.

2. Joint Research Pilot Projects: As part of the initiative, three joint research pilot projects will be undertaken. These projects will explore innovative solutions and technologies tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities within each territory.

3. Capacity Building: Recognizing the importance of skills development, the COALition project includes capacity building initiatives focused on both soft and technical skills. By empowering local stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and capabilities, the project aims to foster long-term sustainability and resilience.

Greek Joint Experimental Research: Closed Agrivoltaics (CA)

Mrs. Makri also introduced a noteworthy Greek research and innovation project within the COALition initiative: "Optimizing Land Use for Agriculture and Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation through Integrated Vertical Farming Environment - 'Closed Agrivoltaics (CA).'" Here's a glimpse into this innovative pilot project:

Aim of the Pilot Project

The pilot project aims to enhance agricultural sustainability by integrating vertical farming (VF) technology within the Closed Agrivoltaics (CA) framework. By combining agricultural cultivation with solar photovoltaic power generation, the CA approach offers several potential benefits:

• Higher Yields: Vertical farming techniques enable efficient use of space, resulting in increased crop yields compared to conventional farming methods.

• Improved Resource Use Efficiency: The integration of solar panels with agriculture optimizes land use and resource allocation, contributing to greater overall efficiency.

• Enhanced Light Conditions: By strategically positioning crops within the agrivoltaic system, optimal light conditions can be maintained, promoting healthier plant growth and development.

Conclusion

As the COALition project progresses, it continues to drive positive change towards a greener, more sustainable future. Through collaborative research, innovative pilot projects, and capacity-building efforts, the initiative aims to catalyze the transition to sustainable energy systems in under-transition EU states.