The Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands has granted over €200 million for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of dairy farmer members of FrieslandCampina. The significant grant aid under the Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production (SDE+) scheme will result in the installation of 416,000 solar panels at 310 dairy farms with roof surfaces over 1000 m2.

FrieslandCampina has partnered with a solar energy specialist GroenLeven Heerenveen who will install the panels on participating farms. The company will operate a ‘Roof Rent Solution’ whereby GroenLeven will install, maintain and connect the solar panels, in return the dairy farmer receives an annual premium of €3 to €4 per panel.

The project will also cover plants and offices owned by FreislandCampina. The ambition of FrieslandCampina is to generate sufficient green electricity to achieve climate neutral growth in 2020. The Dutch co-op is also examining solutions for farms with roof surfaces under 1000 m2.

By Eamonn Farrell

Agri Food Policy Executive