【联合国贸易发展委员会】塞舌尔农业光伏技术评估-2024_68页_3mb

Seychelles Agrivoltaics Technology Assessment Summary

Overview
This report details the UNCTAD-led agrivoltaics technology assessment (TA) in Seychelles, focusing on integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems with controlled-environment crop production (ACE) to address challenges in agriculture and energy sectors. It highlights the potential of agrivoltaics to enhance land productivity, support sustainability, and reduce reliance on imported food and fossil fuels. The assessment outlines 11 policy recommendations to facilitate adoption, including regulatory reforms, funding mechanisms, and institutional capacity building.

Key Findings

1. Policy Context: Seychelles’ policies prioritize renewable energy (100% by 2050) and food security. The National Development Strategy (NDS) 2019–2023 emphasizes environmental sustainability and resilience. The Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Strategy and Energy Policy 2010–2030 align with agrivoltaics as a solution to climate and resource challenges.
2. Sector Challenges: Both agriculture and energy sectors face import dependency, limited resources, and climate risks. Agricultural land scarcity and high energy costs, coupled with geopolitical instability and market volatility, hinder sustainability.
3. Agrivoltaics Potential: ACE could boost crop yields, ensure year-round production, and generate dual income streams from crops and solar energy. It reduces environmental footprints through optimized land use, lower pesticide reliance, and carbon emission cuts. However, high costs, regulatory gaps, and lack of technical expertise present barriers.
4. National Innovation System (NIS): The NIS in Seychelles is fragmented, with weak linkages between stakeholders. Strengthening NIS through collaborative frameworks, training programs, and institutional reforms is critical for successful implementation.

Opportunities

• Economic Growth: ACE could reduce the trade deficit by substituting imports and create jobs in agriculture and energy sectors.
• Policy Support: Existing frameworks (e.g., incentives, investment mechanisms) provide a foundation for scaling agrivoltaic initiatives.
• Public Demand: High local interest in fresh produce and renewable energy aligns with ACE’s goals.
• Youth Engagement: Young farmers and innovators are key drivers for adopting new technologies.

Challenges

• Regulatory Gaps: Lack of laws governing PV integration into agriculture poses a major obstacle.
• Financial Barriers: High upfront costs and limited access to affordable financing hinder adoption, especially for low-income groups.
• Technical Limitations: Insufficient training, infrastructure, and expertise in agrivoltaics limit scalability.
• Land Allocation: Competition for limited agricultural land raises concerns about displacement of traditional farmers.
• Environmental Risks: Potential for runoff contamination, waste management, and ecological disruption must be addressed.

Policy Recommendations

1. Regulatory Reforms: Establish a national task force to revamp laws and standards for CE agriculture and PV integration, ensuring marginalized groups (e.g., women, low-income farmers) are considered.
2. Energy Policy Revision: Update the Seychelles Energy Policy 2010–2030 to accommodate ACE, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
3. Quantitative Impact Analysis: Conduct economic, environmental, social, and cultural impact assessments to inform policy decisions.
4. Funding Mechanisms: Develop start-up grants, microfinancing schemes, and partnerships to support pilot projects.
5. Incentives Expansion: Introduce tailored financial incentives and quality training programs to encourage CE agriculture adoption.
6. Strengthen NIS: Enhance collaboration between ministries, research institutions, and the private sector to improve linkages and resource allocation.
7. Supply Chain Resilience: Ensure reliable PV supply chains via smart procurement systems and after-sales support.
8. Land Access Improvements: Implement new land management systems to allocate resources efficiently and protect vulnerable communities.
9. Public Awareness: Combat misconceptions about soilless farming and promote ACE through educational programs and media engagement.
10. Research and Development: Boost R&D funding and partnerships to address technical barriers and improve system efficiency.
11. Inclusivity Measures: Target women and low-income farmers with tailored support mechanisms, including training and resource access.

Conclusion
The TA underscores agrivoltaics as a viable pathway to enhance Seychelles’ resilience in agriculture and energy. Strategic improvements in policy, finance, and institutional collaboration are essential to overcome adoption hurdles. By aligning with UN SDGs and leveraging local and international partnerships, Seychelles can integrate agrivoltaics into its sustainable development framework.

This assessment highlights the need for a robust regulatory environment, financial accessibility, and technical capacity-building to ensure agrivoltaics’ success in addressing climate and economic challenges. Strengthening the NIS and public engagement will be pivotal for long-term adoption and impact.