Research Service: Energy Transition

Agri-photovoltaics – Dual use instead of competition

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems consume valuable arable land. Competition between energy production and food production is not a sustainable option – neither for farmers nor for society. The solution lies in the intelligent combination of both uses.

We have developed a tool that makes this combination plannable even before construction begins. Using publicly available elevation, soil and satellite data, a photorealistic 3D model of the entire site is created. This model is then transferred into the high-end rendering engine Unreal Engine 5 – not for visual effects, but because this technology currently delivers the most accurate light and shadow simulations.

The farmer can run through different simulation scenarios and receive well-founded answers to questions such as:

which crops can still grow profitably under the modules
where adjustments to row spacing, module height or orientation make sense
how high energy and agricultural yields can be at the same time

This creates projects that work in harmony right from the start – without costly corrections later on.

Intelligent biogas flexibilisation – gas on demand

Many biogas plants are still operated like baseload power plants. They produce continuously – regardless of whether the grid currently needs the energy or not.

We have developed a system that learns from historical process data and predicts in real time how much gas can be produced over the next 24 to 72 hours. The model is integrated as a digital twin into the SIMBA# simulation environment. Plant operators can already test today how different substrate mixes or flexibility strategies affect gas yield and costs – without having to procure additional substrate.

For the plant operator, this means:

higher revenues through demand-oriented injection at peak load times
lower consumption of chemicals and energy
longer plant lifetime through predictive maintenance

Both approaches demonstrate what becomes possible when many years of experience in process control, data analysis and software development are combined with state-of-the-art AI and visualisation technologies – practical and ready to use.