Okres realizacji: 09.2023  - 08.2026

Całkowity budżet projektu: 1 722 651,69 EUR; w tym  ERDF: 1 378 121,33 EUR

Climate changes, socio-political upheavals, and the ongoing pandemic have exposed the fragility of our current systems and highlighted the need for self-sufficiency in key areas such as food and energy. The high prices of electricity, fertilizers, and fuels have increased the concerns of society. Given the vast expanse of land and the dominant share in the market, agriculture holds great potential to contribute to energy systems and to provide a more sustainable future for all. Agricultural farms, particularly those with access to biomass sources such as manure and plant-based material, offer enormous potential for anaerobic digestion and biogas production. This solution not only increases energy efficiency, but it also contributes to the improvement of material flow and waste management. With an estimated total area of 37 million hectares of agricultural land in the region, there is ample opportunity to replace fertilizer use with digestate and reduce the pollution discharge into the Baltic Sea. Additionally, the large farm surfaces provide ample space for the installation of photovoltaics and wind power. To meet the peak energy demands, it is necessary to develop energy storage systems, such as batteries and hydrogen gas. While the challenges and opportunities for farms across the South Baltic Sea region may differ, a common goal is to improve energy production and storage at the farm level and increase energy security. However, many farms are too small to make optimal use of their resources and energy technologies such as anaerobic digestion. This is where the importance of small farmers associations comes in. By working together, these associations can pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise, and adapt it to their specific conditions. To overcome the challenges of introducing new business models, it is crucial for small farms to engage in knowledge and practice exchange. This can be achieved through cooperation and networking initiatives. Based on best practices, lessons learned, and case studies, the project will develop and evaluate pilot associations, and create a toolbox that supports the decision-making process for energy optimization, production, consumption, and storage. This toolbox will help farmers evaluate the potential for energy efficiency improvements and estimate the benefits that can be achieved. The project will facilitate knowledge exchange through study tours, training, workshops, and networking events. Based on stakeholder consultations, recommendations for farmers and policy makers will be developed to help in the creation of tools that promote the deployment of renewable energy systems in rural areas across the South Baltic region. The goal is to foster the growth of small farmers associations that prioritize green and efficient energy systems, ensuring energy security and food security for local communities and regions. The partnership will increase farmers capacity for research, development, and deployment of green energy systems, leading to cost reductions, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a more sustainable future. Crossborder partnerships with common goals and shared vision will drive the creation of policies and regulations that support the deployment of sustainable energy systems in scattered sources such as small farms and farmers associations. Joint monitoring, evaluation, and adjusting strategies will be necessary to continue the development of innovative renewable energy power stations, smart grid systems, and energy efficiency measures. By working together, small farmers associations can overcome the challenges and maximize the opportunities for energy production, consumption, and storage. The development of innovative solutions and business models, combined with cross-border partnerships of farmers and stakeholders will help to create a greener, more secure, and more prosperous future for all.