Fourth stakeholders meeting in Bulgaria under the EAGER project
On the 20th of March 2026, the Fourth stakeholders meeting within the frame of the project EAGER: “Easing AGrophotovoltaics for EuRope” took place in Strelcha, Bulgaria. The event was organized by the Regional Energy Agency of Pazardzhik (REAP) and the Municipality of Strelcha, partners in the EAGER project, co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme 2021-2027. The event was attended by various stakeholders representing public administrations, NGOs, energy agencies, agri-producers, and SMEs.
The project’s main objectives and the upcoming activities were presented and what the agro-photovoltaic (APV) system means was clarified. REAP experts explained that the main goal of the EAGER project is to facilitate the adoption of agro-photovoltaic systems across partner regions by fostering a shared understanding of this technology, identifying best practices, and enhancing policy instruments, this project will pave the way for a greener future.
The meeting continued with some examples of good practices coming from different partner regions. The installation of solar panels on agricultural land has a dual function: on the one hand, to produce energy, and on the other, to provide shade for some specific types of plants, protecting them from excessive sunlight and high temperatures. In addition to agricultural production, dual use of land can also include livestock farming.
These integrated approaches lead to high energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, and savings in energy consumption costs.
The event concluded with a discussion of topics related to existing funding schemes and opportunities for financing environmental projects in the field of local agriculture in the municipality of Strelcha, as well as the upcoming Study visit in Ruhstorf, Germany in April. Participants shared their opinion on the Bulgarian study visit which would be organized in September 2026 – potential best practices and study visits in the region of Strelcha and Pazardzhik.
