Preface: AgriVoltaics World Conference 2023

Abstract

Dear colleagues,

I warmly welcome you to the proceedings of the 4^th AgriVoltaics World Conference [1] in Daegu, Korea. Our community's journey in the dynamic interplay between agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainability began in 2020 and has shown a remarkable growth and influence.

The AgriVoltaics World Conference 2023 saw a remarkable submission of 130 abstracts from 28 countries, bringing together almost 350 delegates from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa, both in-person and online.

These proceedings present a diverse collection of scientific investigations, innovative advancements, and forward-thinking techniques, capturing the development of agrivoltaics from theory to a comprehensive resolution that tackles global issues. The concept of agricultural solar power generation, which was first introduced in 1981, has since been validated through empirical studies and regulatory frameworks established from 2013 onwards. As different countries adopt and adapt this concept, it is transforming into a powerful force for positive change, offering sustainable solutions tailored to unique circumstances.

Korea, our host country, stands as evidence of the commitments made post the 2015 Paris Agreement. The country's efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality, along with proactive approaches such as population centralisation and rural communalisation, highlight the importance and practicality of our discussions.

As we gather in Daegu, let us see this process not just as a repository of information, but as a source of inspiration. Together, let us envision and actively contribute to a future in which agrivoltaics provides practical solutions to address concerns related to climate change, food security, and environmental stewardship.

I thank all of the conference participants, authors, presenters, reviewers, session chairs, my co-chair Prof.  Jae Hak Jung, and the organizing committee for an extremely successful conference!

Yours sincerely,
Prof. Soo-Young Oh
Chair of the Scientific Committee
AgriVoltaics World Conference 2023