The integration of renewable energy into agriculture offers a path toward a greener, more resilient Europe. Ensuring that this transition is both measurable and impactful, relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) need to be set.

The KPIs are necessary to monitor and assess the effectiveness of renewable energy solutions in agriculture. They provide measurable benchmarks that help stakeholders evaluate progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure alignment with sustainability goals. Further, the KPIs facilitate informed decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and build trust among stakeholders. They also enable consistency in evaluating outcomes across diverse projects, promoting scalability and innovation in the transition to renewable energy systems.

In the new report “HarvRESt monitoring KPIs for use cases” KPIs for evaluating renewable energy integration in agricultural communities are outlined. The report also describes a traceability matrix linking KPIs to specific farming use cases, along with data collection and conflict resolution strategies. This structured approach aims to enhance the sustainability and performance assessment of renewable energy in farming operations.

A holistic approach

The HarvRESt report stresses the importance of defining KPIs that holistically address the interplay between agriculture and energy. These metrics are categorised into five dimensions:

• Energy Perspective, covering measurements related to energy efficiency, integration of renewable energy systems, annual reductions in GHG emissions, and energy savings achieved through efficiency upgrades.

• Economic Perspective, with KPIs which should reflect energy cost reductions, revenue from renewable energy market transactions, viability of new business models, return on equity, etc.
  
  
• Social Perspective, to measure the support of local populations. Indicators in this category should include measures of citizen engagement, user acceptance of new technologies, perceived comfort and air quality improvements, and job creation in green energy sectors.
  
  
• Agricultural Perspective, with KPIs to measure the impact of energy transformations on agricultural productivity, resource use efficiency (e.g., water and fertilizers), and resilience to climate-related risks.
  
  
• Environmental Perspective, reflecting environmental sustainability, covering biodiversity conservation, reductions in environmental degradation, and overall ecosystem health.
  
  

Such a multidimensional approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of renewable energy systems' contributions to farming operations.

Data-driven insights for decision-making

A robust data collection framework is pivotal for monitoring KPIs effectively. The report advocates for combining on-site measurements with remote sensing technologies to ensure accuracy and scalability. Furthermore, it emphasises conflict resolution strategies, addressing potential challenges such as land-use competition and stakeholder alignment.