MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - Several energy companies are calling for subsidies for solar plants on set-aside farmland. The 17 companies are targeting land that is no longer to be used for agriculture, according to EU requirements, in order to increase biological diversity (biodiversity).

"This is highly sensible, as it enables efficient land use and strengthens the acceptance necessary for the expansion of renewables among citizens, agriculture and municipalities," the position paper published on Friday states. Among others, the Munich-based Baywa r.e, EnBW, Eon Solar and Vattenfall have signed it.

On agricultural land so far solar open space plants are usual, there the farmers do not grow anything more, but produce only electricity. "Biodiversity photovoltaics" would mean that farmers could combine a solar plant with extensive - that is, non-intensive - agriculture. In practical terms, this means that rows of solar panels are mounted at much greater distances than in ground-mounted systems, and rainwater can reach the ground everywhere.

Agricultural land used in this way could regenerate for decades, argued Matthias Taft, the head of Baywa r.e.. "No additional agricultural land will be claimed for the ambitious PV expansion targets." The abbreviation PV stands for photovoltaics, which is the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy using solar cells./cho/DP/men