#United States #Philadelphia #Doral Renewables #AFT #Smart Solar

Doral Renewables Partners with American Farmland Trust to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Doral Renewables LLC has recently announced a significant long-term collaboration with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) aimed at fostering innovation in sustainability within farming communities across the United States. The primary focus of this partnership revolves around advancing AFT's Smart Solar initiative, designed to utilize solar power without compromising vital agricultural land.

In the coming decades, the U.S. aims to meet ambitious renewable energy goals that will necessitate over 10 million acres of land by 2050, with a large portion of this development projected to take place on agricultural grounds. This dual-purpose approach can potentially benefit farm families by providing new revenue streams while preserving land for farming. AFT, recognized as a national non-profit leader in agriculture-compatible solar development, aims to ensure that farmland is safeguarded, farm viability is strengthened, and solar energy infrastructure is developed simultaneously.

Ed Baptista, Doral's Vice President of Development and Agrivoltaics, highlighted the company's commitment to farmer-friendly energy solutions that emphasize maximum land use and diversify income sources for agricultural communities.

"From the outset, our goal at Doral has been to support farmers while allowing them to focus on traditional practices alongside energy generation," said Baptista. "Partnering with AFT is a strategic step that aligns with our mission to make the most of farming lands while promoting eco-friendly energy solutions."

One innovative approach being embraced is agrivoltaics, which integrates agriculture with solar energy production on the same parcel of land, facilitating a harmonious relationship between food production and renewable energy generation. This method is expected to enhance soil health, carbon capture, biodiversity, and water quality.

The collaboration will see AFT guiding Doral in the implementation of best practices based on their Smart Solar principles, which aim to engage agricultural communities effectively.

Ethan Winter, AFT's National Smart Solar Director, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, remarking on its significance in driving dual goals of renewable energy development and maintaining productive farms.

"This partnership is a pivotal movement in combining renewable energy needs with the sustainability of America’s farms and ranches. It's through collaborations like these that we can ensure nutrient-rich agricultural lands thrive alongside energy infrastructures," stated Winter.

Doral Renewables is not new to the renewable landscape; based in Philadelphia, Doral is a key player in the development and operation of renewable energy assets nationwide, with a robust portfolio of nearly 18 GW of solar and storage capabilities. Spanning across 22 states, the company is adamant about incorporating agrivoltaics throughout its development pipeline to further empower farming communities.

Since its inception in 1980, AFT has been an advocate for sustainable agriculture through holistic approaches focusing on farmland, farming practices, and the farmers themselves. Their efforts have led to the protection of over 6.8 million acres of farmland and a firm push toward environmentally sound agricultural practices.

As this collaboration unfolds, both Doral and AFT anticipate not only contributing to energy solutions but also creating sustainable agricultural practices that will benefit future generations of farmers and the planet alike. The envisioned synergy between solar energy and farming could redefine how agriculture interacts with renewable technologies, presenting a more sustainable future for both sectors.