Munich-based AgTech startup Feldwerke has successfully secured €12 million in debt financing to advance its portfolio of agricultural photovoltaic (agri-PV) projects. This significant capital injection, provided by a French debt fund, will facilitate the construction of approximately 100 megawatts (MW) of capacity over the next 18 months. The move signals growing investor confidence in dual-use land strategies that combine renewable energy generation with active farming.
A Strategic Financial Milestone
The financing is structured as a revolving credit facility, a flexible instrument that provides the necessary working capital to transform Feldwerke's project pipeline into operational assets. This debt-based approach allows the company to draw down funds for construction and replenish the credit line as projects are completed and connected to the grid. It is a powerful tool that enables the simultaneous execution of multiple installations, accelerating the company's growth trajectory.
Nils Kuchenbuch, CEO of Feldwerke, described the financing as a clear signal that institutional investors recognize the potential of agri-PV. He stated that the revolving credit facility gives the company the flexibility to execute its 100 MW portfolio swiftly and efficiently. This partnership provides a financial structure that aligns with Feldwerke's long-term vision for sustainable land use and energy production.
Founded in 2023, Feldwerke has rapidly established itself as a key developer and installer of open-field agri-PV systems. The company has already installed over 20 MW of capacity, including southern Germany's largest agri-PV facility in Oberndorf am Lech. This proven track record was a critical factor in securing the confidence of its new financial partner, which specializes in renewable energy projects.
Innovating Land Use with Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics represents an innovative solution to land-use competition by integrating solar power generation with agriculture. The technology involves mounting solar modules on elevated structures, allowing farming activities such as crop cultivation or livestock grazing to continue on the land below. This dual-use model effectively produces both clean energy and agricultural output from the same parcel of land.
Feldwerke's installations consistently utilize single-axis tracker systems that follow the sun's path to maximize energy capture. This approach not only generates more power overall but also feeds a disproportionately high amount of electricity into the grid during high-value morning and evening hours. The design ensures that agricultural productivity is maintained while optimizing the site's energy yield and financial returns.
Accelerating Growth in a Supportive Market
This new capital is a crucial enabler for Feldwerke's ambitious expansion plans, which include a goal of reaching 1 gigawatt (GW) of installed capacity by 2030. The company is currently developing a robust pipeline of around 50 projects totaling over 400 MW. The €12 million facility will be used exclusively for the construction phase of these agri-PV installations across Germany.
The German market offers a highly favorable environment for agri-PV development, bolstered by supportive government policies and incentives. Programs such as the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and various public loan options have significantly improved the economic viability of these projects. This strong regulatory framework has been instrumental in attracting institutional investment and accelerating the shift from pilot projects to commercial-scale deployment.
The successful closing of this €12 million credit facility marks a pivotal moment for Feldwerke, providing the financial firepower to scale its operations significantly. It also serves as a strong endorsement of the agrivoltaics model as a commercially viable and sustainable solution for the future of energy and agriculture. As Feldwerke advances its 100 MW portfolio, its progress will be closely watched as a barometer for the broader agri-PV sector in Europe.