태양광 아래 자유롭게 모내기..."보급 확대" (뉴스투데이 2026.06.30 광주MBC)

(Anchor) With the government deciding to develop a large-scale high-tech industrial complex in the southwestern region, securing renewable energy, which will serve as the core foundation, has become more important than ever. Amidst this, "agri-photovoltaics," which involves installing solar panels on farmland to cultivate crops while generating electricity, is garnering attention as a new alternative. Reporter Yoo Min-ho reports. (Reporter) A rice paddy in Suncheon where rice planting is in full swing. A rice transplanter moves freely between the pillars, planting seedlings in neat rows. Solar panels have been installed 4 meters above the ground. This is agri-photovoltaics, which allows for both farming and electricity generation. Jang Hyu-tae / Farmer "It was fine because I could perform farming tasks without any major issues. I see great potential in being able to generate revenue not just from the land, but from the natural environment." The generation capacity is 50kW. It is currently being used by the Agricultural Technology Center right next door. There are also places that sell electricity to KEPCO. A local renewable energy company has set out to conduct a demonstration by building solar power facilities on a field. "Potatoes are growing, ready for harvest soon. The natural shade created prevents the leaves from burning." Recently, the National Assembly passed the Special Act on the Promotion and Support of Agri-Solar Power. While interest is growing, the challenge remains to improve public acceptance by persuading farmers regarding concerns such as the impact on crop growth and the destruction of farmland. Chey Tae-won / CEO of a renewable energy company "Since residents are forming cooperatives to conduct power generation businesses, the main actors in these projects need to deepen their understanding of the business..." It has also become important to establish infrastructure capable of transmitting electricity to nearby industrial complexes in order to achieve 100% renewable energy, or RE100. Jeong Jae-hak / Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University "By playing such a significant role in supporting RE100 power, our rural communities can now protect not only our nation's food supply but also our industries..." Agri-photovoltaics is gradually expanding its territory. It is emerging as an energy source capable of killing two birds with one stone: increasing farm income and supplying electricity. This is Yoo Min-ho from MBC News. #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #Agri-photovoltaics