Agri-PV Legislation Accelerates, Farmer Protection Poses Challenge

The enactment of laws for 'agri-photovoltaics' (agri-PV), which allows farmers to earn additional income from solar power generation while cultivating land, is being pursued. While increased income for farmers is expected through this initiative, protecting the actual rights of farmers remains a significant challenge.

A plan to extend the business permit period up to 23 years, matching the lifespan of the facilities, is being seriously discussed. However, the issue of protecting tenant farmers has emerged as a key obstacle in the legislative process. Concerns are being raised that tenant farmers who are actively cultivating the land could suffer significant losses if landowners monopolize generation profits and increase rental fees.

Environmental groups have proposed that installing agri-PV in parts of Saemangeum's agricultural and bio-resource zones and expediting grid connection could reduce farmland damage and transmission line conflicts. They emphasized the importance of securing renewable energy to meet the growing electricity demand from industries.