Real-world Living Labs in Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye
4Living Labs
The AgriPV-Nexus project will assess and validate its approach across diverse Living Labs (LLs) in 4 different Mediterranean countries.
LLs are perceived as collaborative real-world environments where researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders co-create knowledge and innovations. The combination of the LLs with the project’s Multi-Actor Approach is crucial for identifying a regionally adaptable matrix of optimal agroecological practices
LL of UM6P, Morocco
The LL of UM6P in Benguerir, Morocco, lies in a semi-arid agroecological zone characterized by low and irregular rainfall, high evaporation, and frequent droughts. Soils are predominantly sandy to loamy, with low organic carbon and limited water retention capacity. Agriculture relies on irrigation, often from groundwater. Presently, the agrivoltaic system extends to 0,1 ha, which includes four 14 × 18 m photovoltaic blocks and an adjacent open-field control plot.
LL of ÉUVORA, Portugal
Alentejo is the most important agricultural region in Portugal, making it particularly interesting for agrivoltaics. Soils are typically low in organic matter. The area faces frequent drought stress and low water availability, making water-use efficiency critical. Traditional farming includes rainfed cereals, olive groves, and extensive livestock, now increasingly combined with agroecological practices. The planned PV system (60kWp) of ÉUVORA’s LL is an overhead system at 4 meters height, the distance between the panel rows is 5 meters. Seasonal crops will be cultivated in a rotating manner.
LL of UNIVGB, Tunisia
In an arid to semi-arid Mediterranean climate characterized by high solar radiation, low and irregular rainfall, and high evaporation rates. The LL will be located at the Centre Technique des Cultures Protégées et Géothermiques and includes a 300 m² multi-span greenhouse with a PV system dedicated to protected vegetable production. Currently, the site uses ground-mounted photovoltaic panels for water pumping and to power various measurement and control devices, which will be adjusted within AgriPV-Nexus.
LL of Gedik University, Türkiye
The LL of Istanbul Gedik University is located in Taşarası Village in the Havran district of Balıkesir, Madra Mountains, Türkiye. The Havran district features a Mediterranean climate with diverse agroecological zones, supporting olive groves, vineyards, and forest ecosystems. Its hilly terrain and microclimates foster traditional mixed farming practices, combining dryland crops with small-scale animal husbandry and rich biodiversity. The PV installation for the AgriPV-Nexus LL has been financed under the PRIMA project, no. 2242, FrontAg Nexus.