Environmental Sustainability in Vineyards under a Protected Designation of Origin in View of the Implementation of Photovoltaic Solar Energy Plants

Abstract

Environmental sustainability is a fundamental asset in the development of all agricultural policies within the European Union. However, its practical application is finding important incompatibilities between several of its objectives, such as the preservation of the landscape and action against climate change, through the exploitation of renewable energies systems. Indeed, Spain and its viticulture under PDOs are facing an exponential dilemma: the change in use of agricultural wine grape producing land to install solar panels for renewable energy generation. Therefore, this study aims to provide an assessment of the community where the Alicante PDO is based, on the environmental sustainability of its vineyards in view of the implementation of photovoltaic solar energy plants, and to identify an optimal and socially sustainable design. Online research techniques ensuring anonymity were used, achieving a valuation of the quality of the wine-growing landscape and its associated cultural heritage in the territory of the of Alicante PDO. However, as the importance of solar energy generation is also valued, the preferred alternative would be a limited combination of use and design to maintain the wine-growing landscape. These terms should be reflected by competent administrations when authorizing future installations in the Alicante PDO.