Room for renewables: A GIS-based agrivoltaics site suitability analysis in urbanized landscapes

Flanders, a densely populated region in Belgium, faces challenges in balancing agricultural production with renewable energy targets. Agrivoltaic systems combine solar energy and agricultural activity on the same field and can increase land productivity while simultaneously expanding the share of renewables. However, its potential and implications for the region is geographically complex. This research aims to assess the suitability of Flanders' 658,000 ha agricultural land for agrivoltaic systems, using a geographical multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA), considering environmental, technical, agronomic, and cultural criteria to optimize land use for simultaneous food and energy production. We describe a Geographic information system Multiple-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) using QGis-software. Expert stakeholder input was incorporated by applying the pairwise comparison method from the analytical hierarchical process (AHP). Criterion weights are applied to seven classifiers: irradiance, soil suitability, slope, orientation (aspect), crop type, flood risk and distance to roads/grid. Areas with particular societal, ecological, economic, and historical importance are excluded. The resulting scores are then placed in their agronomic and energy context. Our analysis indicates that 60.4 % of Flanders' farmland is well suited for agrivoltaic development, and that 9 % of farmland under AV would suffice to meet future energy targets in combination with rooftop PV. After our analysis, 11.5 % of total agricultural land was classified as less suitable, 28.74 % as somewhat suitable, 19.40 % as suitable and 12.22 % as very suitable. Transitioning away from fossil fuels requires a multi-facetted approach. Agrivoltaic systems can contribute to this shift, opening up additional land without significantly compromising farm revenue. This study presents insights into the feasibility and geographic potential of agrivoltaic systems in densely populated regions with intensive agriculture like Flanders and can serve as a base for future discussion regarding dual land use planning decisions locally and abroad. • Agrivoltaic production systems need to be appropriately located for best performance. • In a built-up area with maritime climate, many constraints need to be balanced to find the best AV locations. • Suitable sites for agrivoltaic systems can be identified using GIS-MCDA. • Even in highly urbanized landscapes, 60.4 % of cropland is potentially suitable for agrivoltaics. • Crop type is a key determinant of agrivoltaic suitability scores.