French Energy Giant EDF Invests in Revolutionary Agrivoltaic Startup agRE.tech
EDF, the renowned French energy company, has recently backed agRE.tech with a substantial investment to support the development of their cutting-edge robotic operating system designed for agrivoltaic fields.
agRE.tech is at the forefront of integrating advanced robotics and artificial intelligence into agricultural practices and climate control. Their innovative approach aims to tackle labor shortages in agriculture, boost productivity, and align with global objectives for large-scale green energy production in agricultural settings.
The fundraising round received significant contributions from key economic players like Zemach Mifalim and EDF. Zemach Mifalim, co-founder of agRE.tech, leads the way with the Kinneret Innovation Center, specializing in climate and agriculture.
With EDF’s expertise in energy, the company is enhancing the initiative to utilize agricultural spaces for sustainable energy production.
agRE.tech has been dedicated to developing an advanced robotic operating system tailored for agrivoltaic fields. This system integrates artificial intelligence to autonomously perform complex agricultural tasks like selective spraying, pruning, and harvesting, in addition to managing solar field operations.
Led by CEO Elad Levy and CTO Yaniv Marmur, agRE.tech has filed multiple patents and operationalized their robotic system above a vineyard. The expansive agrivoltaics market, estimated at $4 billion, is set to grow exponentially thanks to agRE.tech’s groundbreaking technology.
agRE.tech is paving the way for commercial fields with integrated robotic capabilities in both local and international markets, including Italy, where significant investments have been made in agrivoltaic projects.
“After years in robotics, we identified agriculture and climate as key areas for impactful innovation. It’s an honor to have esteemed partners like EDF and Zemach supporting our vision for a sustainable future,” says CEO Elad Levy.
EDF, known for its renewable energy initiatives, continues to invest in research and development in agrivoltaics, anticipating substantial growth in the sector.
Recently, EDF spearheaded the Dumat Al-Jandal wind farm project, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The wind farm is located 900 kilometers north of Riyadh in the Al Jouf region of north-western Saudi Arabia. The project is 51 per cent owned by EDF Renewables and 49 per cent by Masdar.
Developed in partnership with Masdar and Saudi Aramco, the Dumat Al-Jandal wind farm stands as a pioneering venture in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy practices in the region.
