At White Research, we are dedicated to delivering high-impact insights through rigorous research methodologies. Our recent work on the HarvRESt project, funded by Horizon Europe, exemplifies our expertise in employing a combination of research methods to explore the framework conditions and stakeholders’ needs particularly in the adoption of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the agricultural sector across Europe.

Our Approach

The HarvRESt project aims to explore the potential of RES to transform European farming practices. To achieve this, White Research employed a multi-method research approach, combining desk research, surveys and interviews to gather a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing RES adoption at the farm level in Italy, Spain, Denmark and Norway.

Desk Research: We began by conducting extensive desk research to map out the current framework conditions for RES integration at both the EU and national levels within the Use Case (UC) countries. This foundational work allowed us to identify the key socio-economic, political and legal contexts influencing renewable energy adoption in agriculture.

Surveys: To capture the perspectives of farmers, we designed and distributed targeted surveys across the UC countries. These surveys provided critical data on the socio-economic drivers and barriers to RES adoption, including farm size, education levels and investment capacity. The insights gathered, helped us understand the challenges faced by farmers, particularly those with smaller operations or in regions with fragmented land ownership.

Interviews: To complement the desk research the surveys, tailored semi-structured interviews designed by WR team and implemented by UC leaders. These interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including farmers, industry representatives, and public authorities. They offered deeper qualitative insights into regional disparities in RES adoption and the practical challenges faced on the ground.

Key Findings from our research

Socio-Economic Factors: The research revealed several socio-economic factors affecting the uptake of renewable energy in farms. These include farmer education, farm size, financial support and the overall awareness of environmental benefits. One of the major drivers identified was the prioritisation of environmental objectives, which motivates farmers to adopt RES technologies. On the other hand, economic barriers such as high installation costs, lack of access to finance and concerns over long-term profitability continue to hinder wider adoption. According to our findings, smaller farms exhibit a greater willingness to adopt RES technologies compared to larger farms. This could be due to smaller farms’ adaptability and the perception that RES investments are more beneficial in lowering operational costs. Tailored incentives for smaller farms, such as subsidies or grants, may further increase adoption rates,

Political and Legal Barriers: While the EU has set ambitious climate and energy targets, legal and regulatory barriers, such as complex permitting processes, zoning restrictions and financial uncertainties, are substantial challenges to RES adoption. Farmers encounter difficulties navigating these bureaucratic hurdles, and financial incentives often lack the consistency or clarity needed to drive widespread adoption.

Regional Disparities: The findings highlight regional disparities in RES integration. Denmark has made considerable progress, especially in wind energy and biogas, while Spain shows promise with agrivoltaics and biomass. In contrast, Italy faces challenges related to bureaucratic complexity and high installation costs and Norway deals with grid integration issues for smaller RES projects. EU countries require tailored strategies to overcome their unique challenges.

Our Expertise

At White Research, our strength lies in our ability to apply diverse research methods to uncover actionable insights that drive change. Our work in the HarvRESt project demonstrates our capability to navigate complex multi-country studies, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and deliver findings that inform policy and support mechanisms.

Interested in finding more about the factors affecting RES uptake at farm level? Read the full report here.