Details Master thesis

Background
The green transition is driving investments in renewable energy and sustainable
production systems. Biorefineries are an important part of this transition, as they
convert biogenic raw materials into valuable products such as fuels, chemicals, and
materials. However, land-use competition is intensifying while agricultural
production remains emissions heavy. Agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) systems can contribute to
meeting the electricity and heat demand of biorefineries while preserving
agricultural production. To harness the full potential of renewable energies for the
agricultural sector and for decarbonising biorefinery production, the potential for
integrated PV systems needs to be estimated. The use of geospatial data will allow to
depict the various location specific factors such as land use and infrastructure
connectivity suitable for biorefineries and Agri-PV.
Objectives of the thesis
The goal of this thesis is to assess the potential of Agri-PV systems in the context of
biorefineries by applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The thesis will
estimate the spatial potential of Agri-PV and relate it to the land demand and
renewable energy needs of the biorefinery concept. Based on recent insights from
an existing study and scientific literature, relevant biorefinery concepts, agricultural
land-use systems, and criteria for Agri-PV suitability are to be consolidated. This will
enhance the existing GIS-approach used to identify and map suitable areas for Agri-PV
deployment in the region of a selected biorefinery case study. In addition, the
thesis may evaluate selected system designs with regard to the compatibility of
Agri-PV and biorefinery concepts. Ideally, for a given set of assumptions on the system,
the analysis would allow to determine the coverage required to satisfy existing
biorefinery’s energy demand and estimate the wider regional energy production
potential of the solar systems. Finally, the results will be discussed from an economic
and practical perspective, including possible business models and the general
viability of Agri-PV integration for biorefinery businesses.
Requirements
▪ Interest in renewable energy, biorefineries, and sustainable production systems
▪ Interest in GIS, techno-economic and land-use analysis
▪ Willingness to work independently
▪ Ideally, some experience with literature research, Excel, or basic modelling tools