D3.1: HarvRESt strategy for multi-actor engagement and awareness creation in agro communities First version

18/10/2024 Page 1 www.harvrest.eu D3.1 27 / 09 / 2024 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es First version 18/10/2024 Page 2 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) PROJECT INFORMATION ACRONYM HarvRESt PROJECT NAME Harnessing the vast potential of RES for sustainable farming PROGRAMME Horizon Europe TOPIC HORIZON-CL6-2023-CLIMATE-01-7 TYPE OF ACTION HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions PROJECT NUMBER 101136904 START DAY 1 January 2024 DURATION 36 months DOCUMENT INFORMATION TITLE D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for multi-actor engagement and awareness creation in agro communities WORK PACKAGE WP3 TASK T3.1 LEAD PARTNER WR CONTRIBUTORS BETA, NORCE, ENG, VdV, ACSA-Sorigué, TCA, CONFAGRI, GCE, FBCD, CKIC MAIN AUTHORS Nina Louvrou (WR), Alba Granados Agüero (WR), Dimitrios Chapizanis (WR) DATE 18 / 09 / 2024 DISSEMINATION LEVEL Public 18/10/2024 Page 3 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) DOCUMENT HISTORY VERSION DATE CHANGES RESPONSIBLE PARTNER 0.1 06/08/2024 NA WR 0.2 18/09/2024 Feedback All partners involved 0.3 24/09/2024 Updates WR 1.0 27/09/2024 Format changes CIRCE Disclaimer The project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. HarvRESt’s methodology (GA No 101136904) for the stakeholder engagement strategy builds on existing expertise, tools, and templates developed internally by White Research while also considering European Commission guidelines and best practices available in the literature. Part of the standard methodology adopted has already been developed in previous research projects where White Research was a beneficiary, such as the iPRODUCE (GA No. 870037) project. This approach ensures optimal resource allocation, uniformity and adherence to project requirements. Ad hoc and tailored modifications were integrated into the methodology used by HarvRESt to comply with GA conditions, EU recommendations and project specificities. This report presents the adjusted methodology as it was further developed and applied within HarvRESt. 18/10/2024 Page 4 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 8 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 9 Importance of multi-actor stakeholder engagement for RES integration in the agro context ......................................................................................................... 9 General objectives, engagement principles, and scope of multi-actor engagement ............................................................................................................... 9 Structure of the deliverable .................................................................... 10 Connection with other tasks ................................................................... 10 Upcoming deliverable ............................................................................. 11 METHODOLOGY................................................................................................ 12 Stakeholder identification and classification ........................................... 12 Common engagement activities across all Use Cases .............................. 14 Process and Timeline .............................................................................. 17 USE CASES-BASED STRATEGY FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ...................... 19 Italy – FSDC ............................................................................................. 19 Denmark – CT ......................................................................................... 25 18/10/2024 Page 5 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Spain – VdV............................................................................................. 29 Spain - ACSA-Sorigué .............................................................................. 33 Norway – GGE ........................................................................................ 37 CONCLUSIONS, MONITORING AND NEXT STEPS ................................................ 42 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 43 ANNEXES .......................................................................................................... 44 Stakeholder groups identification template ............................................ 44 Warm-up events - Guidelines ................................................................. 47 18/10/2024 Page 6 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Warm-up events - Reporting template ................................................... 59 18/10/2024 Page 7 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) ABBREVIATIONS ARC Awareness-Raising Campaigns CHP Combined Heat and Power EU European Union GA Grant Agreement GDPR General Data Protection Regulation KPI Key Performance Indicator MCDA Multi Criteria Decision Analysis NGO Non-Governmental Organization PV Photovoltaic Q&A Questions and Answers R&D Research and Development RES Renewable Energy Systems ROI Return On Investment RTO Research and Technology Organisations SME Small and Medium Enterprise STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics UC Use Case WP Work Package 18/10/2024 Page 8 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report outlines the concept, methodology, and key actions for developing HarvRESt stakeholder engagement strategies in Italy, Denmark, Spain-VdV, Spain-ACSA-Sorigué, and Norway. It builds on the experience of HarvRESt local partners and previous project insights to design pilot-based strategies that will guide the stakeholder engagement process. The strategy includes organising warm-up events, awareness campaigns and capacity-building sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing and support. Engagement formats, channels, and additional suggested activities (e.g., farm visits, policy workshops, newsletters etc.,) have been tailored to each stakeholder group, addressing their unique needs and motivations. Each HarvRESt Use Case features distinct objectives and strategies, reflecting regional contexts and stakeholder ecosystems. These tailored approaches aim to promote the adoption and integration of renewable energy systems (RES) in agriculture, and foster collaboration among farmers, energy cooperatives, public authorities, and local energy industries. The report details the methodology for stakeholder identification and classification, ensuring strategies are customised to community needs. Objectives include providing suggestions on engagement activities, stakeholder consultation, measurable targets, and continuous communication. The strategies will be resultsdriven and flexible to accommodate unforeseen developments, such as new key stakeholders or ineffective channels. Monitoring and updates will be conducted to ensure optimal implementation and address any issues, with further refinements to be included in deliverable D3.5, based on project experience. 18/10/2024 Page 9 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) INTRODUCTION Importance of multi-actor stakeholder engagement for RES integration in the agro context Multi-actor engagement is crucial in landscape initiatives, particularly in integrating RES in agriculture, as it fosters a collaborative approach to addressing complex multifaceted challenges. By involving diverse stakeholders such as farmers, energy providers, policymakers, researchers, and community members, multiactor engagement ensures that multiple perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions. This inclusive approach helps to align the interests and expertise of various parties, facilitating the development of innovative strategies that balance agricultural productivity with energy sustainability [1]. Furthermore, it enhances the legitimacy and acceptance of landscape initiatives, as stakeholders who are actively involved in the decision-making process are more likely to support and contribute to the successful implementation of these projects [2]. Moreover, multi-actor engagement enables the sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices, which can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of integrating RES in agriculture [3]. Collaborative networks can leverage the strengths of each participant, fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation. For instance, farmers can gain access to new technologies and practices that improve energy efficiency and crop yield, while energy providers can benefit from insights into sustainable land management. Policymakers can develop more informed and targeted regulations that support both agricultural and energy goals. By breaking down silos and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, multi-actor engagement promotes resilience and innovation, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of rural landscapes. General objectives, engagement principles, and scope of multi-actor engagement Leading to an increased uptake of RES in the agricultural sector requires the active involvement of key stakeholders. To achieve this, a multi-actor approach is followed when designing the HarvRESt stakeholder engagement strategy. Multi-stakeholder engagement processes together with co-creation activities are among the key pillars of HarvRESt. The multi-actor approach ensures that diverse perspectives and expertise are integrated into the strategy, fostering a collaborative environment where all relevant parties, including farmers, energy cooperatives, agricultural associations, public authorities, and energy industries, work together towards common goals. By actively engaging these stakeholders, HarvRESt aims to create a supportive network that promotes the adoption and integration of RES at the farm level. The co-creation activities facilitate direct participation and input from local actors, ensuring that the strategies developed are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each community. These activities also promote innovation and the sharing of best practices, further enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of RES initiatives. In this context, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the needs and motivations of local communities, in order to successfully engage them. This report leverages the findings of D2.1, as well as knowledge gained through other activities of the project, to define specific engagement strategies per UC and per targeted stakeholder group. To this end, this deliverable aims to describe a set of engagement strategies tailored to each UC, that will guide the actions of the consortium for integrating key stakeholders in the HarvRESt activities. A set of strategic 18/10/2024 Page 16 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) 3.2.2 Awareness-raising campaigns The awareness-raising campaigns (ARC) in the context of Task 3.22 will be meticulously designed to foster the adoption of RES in the UC HarvRESt agricultural settings (Table 3). The methodological approach will start by integrating the output from Task 2.2 (D2.1), which provides a foundation for UC framework conditions and different stakeholder groups’ needs and perceptions. This will be followed by a co-design and creative series of brainstorming sessions, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive strategy development process. The tailored design and specification of interventions are crafted based on the insights gathered, aiming to address the unique needs and challenges of each UC and its target groups. The implementation phase involves rolling out awareness-raising campaigns at the Use Case level. These campaigns will employ various formats online and offline, with material such as flyers, social media posts, and infographics to effectively communicate the benefits of RES adoption. Additionally, there is a close collaboration with FBCD (Dissemination Manager) for executing online campaigns across social media platforms. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the messaging is not only widespread but also tailored to resonate with different stakeholder groups and cultural contexts. During the period M10 to M30, these campaigns will be further designed, deployed and reported in D3.5 HarvRESt strategy for multi-actor engagement and awareness creation in agro-communities (final version) - M30. Table 3. Action plan for the Awareness Raising campaigns for all HarvRESt Use Cases Action Who When Preparatory Phase (including brainstorming sessions) All Use Cases & RTOs M10-M13 Design Campaigns All Use Cases & RTOs M13-M15 Deployment of awareness-raising campaigns and reporting templates completed All Use Cases & RTOs M15 - M27 Implemented activities reported in D3.5 WR M30 3.2.3 Capacity building towards the uptake of HarvRESt outcomes for RES integration at the farm level Within the framework of T3.4 (M13 – M30), WR will lead the preparation of capacity-building material aiming at empowering farmers and rural actors with skills and knowledge on RES. To achieve this, an analysis of training needs will be performed based on previous project results such as D3.1, D2.1, etc. and complementary desk research. This needs’ analysis will allow us to identify current skills, perceptions, and knowledge gaps at the Use Case level. A training workshop will take place at each Use Case, implemented by each Use case RTO with the support of the Use Case leaders. The goal of the capacity-building program will be to empower farmers and rural actors to leverage the HarvRESt assets and services related to the technical, environmental, financial, regulatory, business and stakeholder engagement aspects of RES uptake at farms. Capacity-building material will be prepared based on the results of the needs analysis led by WR. Under the coordination of WR, training content will be drafted by the project’s experts and adjusted to the specificities of each Use Case. CIRCE, BETA, and Suite5 will cover technical, environmental, and sustainability aspects; CKIC 2 T3.2 starts at M10 (October 2024) yet as the GA mentions, the methodology of awareness-raising campaigns is expected to be reported in D3.1. However, D3.1 is due by M9 (September 2024) which is before T3.2 officially begins. This was identified as a proposal typo during the Kick-off Meeting and will be addressed during the first GA’s amendment. 18/10/2024 Page 17 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) policy-relevant material, EnGreen business and innovation aspects; and WR on stakeholder engagement and market research. The capacity-building material will be tailored to each Use Case and the capacity-building workshop will take place during the period of M13 (January 2025) and M30 (June 2026), considering the preparation and implementation phase. The process and results of this task will be reported in D3.3 (M30) and Table 4 details the preliminary action plan foreseen to achieve this goal. Table 4. Action Plan for the Capacity Building Program for all HarvRESt Use Cases Action Who When Preparatory Phase (training needs analysis) WR, CIRCE, BETA, Suite5, CKIC, ENG, and all Use Cases & RTOs M13 – M16 Preparation of capacity-building modules WR, CIRCE, BETA, Suite5, CKIC, ENG M16 – M19 Implementation and reporting of training workshops carried out by RTOs All Use Cases & RTOs M19 - M27 D3.3 HarvRESt capacity building material WR M30 3.2.4 Other workshops and co-creation activities within the project duration Other workshops and co-creation sessions, foreseen in the HarvRESt Grant Agreement at the UC level, will be organised during the project duration to bring together relevant stakeholders to discuss critical aspects around the topic of RES integration: • Co-creation sessions for the definition of KPI criteria will be conducted in the context of T6.2 “Cocreation on procedures and weighting criteria for the MCDA”. • A final Co-creation session to discuss the recommendations from the HarvRESt Decision Support System and business catalogue will take place in the context of T6.4 “Co-creation sessions, experimental trials and final validation of HarvRESt use cases”. • A workshop to present business models to key stakeholders will be organised in the context of T7.2 “Development of guidelines for agro-communities business models”. • Policy sessions, as part of T7.3, for the upscaling of HarvRESt’s solutions and formulations of policy pathways and financing mechanisms. Process and Timeline The initial design of the Stakeholder Engagement Strategies for promoting the uptake of RES at farms followed a meticulously planned process. This approach ensured that the strategies were continuously refined and adapted based on stakeholder input and emerging insights. Following the initial step of stakeholder identification and classification process, which was critical for identifying key players and understanding their roles, interests, and potential influence on the project, a series of bilateral calls were then conducted with representatives from each UC. These calls served multiple purposes, including information gathering, relationship building, and collecting preliminary feedback on the proposed engagement strategies, thereby laying the groundwork for effective collaboration. Based on the insights gained from these bilateral calls, initial drafts of the UC Stakeholder Engagement Strategies were prepared. These drafts outlined the objectives and nature of the stakeholder engagement activities, the transversal-core activities (such as warm-up events, awareness-raising campaigns etc.,), the 18/10/2024 Page 18 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) main stakeholder groups to be engaged, the key engagement opportunities, and general strategies to avoid stakeholder fatigue while engaging each stakeholder group effectively. To ensure ongoing stakeholder involvement and continuous improvement of the engagement strategies, a permanent feedback loop was established. This loop included regular ad-hoc interactions with the UCs and adaptive adjustments to the strategies based on UC input. 18/10/2024 Page 19 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) USE CASES-BASED STRATEGY FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Each Use Case's stakeholder strategy provides an overview of suggested activities beyond the core ones—such as warm-ups and awareness-raising campaigns—detailed in section 3.2. The key messages and suggested formats for each stakeholder group outlined here can also be incorporated into these core activities, ensuring that all engagement efforts are aligned and reinforcing the project's objectives. Italy – FSDC 4.1.1 Current situation Besides the HarvRESt basic engagement goals, the Italian use case aims more specifically to explore joint models for promoting RES in agro communities and along the food value chain. The focus is on studying agronomic practices for crops grown under photovoltaic panels, investigating new business models, promoting sustainability through carbon credit certifications, and developing training workshops/educational pathways that integrate technology and RES into modern farming practices. The stakeholder engagement strategy for the UC is designed to address the specific needs and interests of various stakeholder groups. The vision for stakeholder engagement in the Italy Use Case is to promote the adoption of RES by disseminating the results among a wide range of stakeholders, with a special emphasis on farmers. To promote RES adoption through comprehensive stakeholder engagement, emphasising education, partnership building, and policy advocacy. The Italian UC is composed of four partners as shown in Table 5. Table 5. Composition of the Italian UC Partner Stakeholder group Role in the project Fattoria Solidale Del Circeo (FSDC) Social Cooperative that deals with the employment of people with disabilities by doing organic farming Use Case EnGreen (EnG) Energy consulting company Supporter RTO Confagricoltura (CONFAGRI) Collective organisation of Farmers in Italy Supporter RTO Tecnoalimenti (TCA) Scientific and Technological Research Organisation for Innovation, consultancy and certification Supporter RTO 4.1.2 Local Stakeholder Ecosystem The local stakeholder ecosystem includes a diverse range of actors, each playing a crucial role in the adoption and success of RES in agriculture. Investors and agro-entrepreneurs are leading stakeholders who prioritise return on investment (ROI) and risk mitigation through RES investments. Energy companies and Technology providers and suppliers of agricultural machinery offer essential RES-compatible technologies necessary for effective implementation on farms. Farmers, local value chain actors, and representatives from the livestock industry focus on sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. Research organisations contribute technical insights and support innovation in RES adoption through research and education. Environmental associations and Energy communities/RESCoops advocate for a more diversified and resilient RE market, and support policies that promote RES initiatives. Public authorities, including municipalities, policymakers and regulators, influence RES adoption through incentives and regulatory frameworks. Citizen associations and NGOs can demonstrate a positive attitude towards RES integration and foster the promotion of these technologies. 18/10/2024 Page 20 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) 4.1.3 Strategy for Stakeholder Engagement (Per Stakeholder Group) The strategy for stakeholder engagement in the Italian UC follows a multi-stakeholder approach to meet the specific needs of each involved group. With the aim to motivate and bring together different stakeholder groups to participate in project activities, it describes specific incentives and contributions that correspond to each stakeholder group. Investors & Agro-entrepreneurs The motivation of this group to participate can be sparked by indicating the chance to explore financial opportunities presented by RE solutions and gain further knowledge on methods and tools for RES uptake at farms. By showcasing the potential for high returns on investment, the project will demonstrate how adopting RES, such as agrivoltaics, can significantly enhance farm profitability. Additionally, the project will emphasise strategies for mitigating risks associated with these investments, providing a sense of security and confidence to stakeholders. Detailed insights and examples of successful implementations will further illustrate how integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices not only boosts financial performance but also promotes long-term sustainability. The first step is to raise awareness among this relevant stakeholder group through an informative e-mail. Arousing their interest in the HarvRESt project will be achieved by offering concrete information on the benefits for those deciding to join the project activities and, namely, by presenting them the future opportunities for collaborations with other relevant actors. To this end, the promotional material of the project and the dissemination channels of the project (website, social media accounts, newsletters etc.,) can be used. Key Messages : • Emphasise the potential for high returns on investment and the strategies available for mitigating risks associated with RES. • Provide detailed insights and examples into how agrivoltaic systems can enhance farm profitability and sustainability. The next step in the engagement process involves interaction and information exchange between them and the UC mainly at the local level. More specifically, warm-up events (T3.1), awareness-raising activities (T3.2) and training workshops (T3.4) will help us communicate with the investors and receive information about their needs as well as their feedback on the processes to be followed. During the warm-up events and awareness-raising activities, investment opportunities can be discussed, aiming to explore the potential financial benefits and operational aspects of RES investments. The activities will facilitate networking opportunities with successful RES adopters and present real-world examples and success stories of RES projects to illustrate tangible benefits and practical applications. Energy companies and Technology providers The motivation of energy sector stakeholders and technology providers to join the Italian UC can be triggered through demonstrating the economic and social benefits of RES application at the farm level. The first step of communication will address the technology providers and industrial stakeholders with an informative e-mail or a one-to-one meeting, pointing out the potential of RES uptake at farms as well as the methodologies and approaches proposed by the project. 18/10/2024 Page 21 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Key Messages : • Showcase technological advancements and integration potential: Highlight how the latest advancements in RES technologies can be seamlessly integrated into existing agricultural systems, improving efficiency and productivity. • Economic and operational benefits: Emphasise the cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability benefits of adopting RES technologies. • Collaboration opportunities: Present opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that can drive innovation and growth within the industry. Following this, the next step of their engagement process includes interaction and information exchange between them and the UC mainly on the local level. More specifically, warm-up events (T3.1), awarenessraising activities (T3.2) and training workshops (T3.4) will help us communicate with the Technology Providers and Industry actors and receive information about their individual needs as well as their feedback on the RES integration processes to be followed. The training workshops will allow stakeholders to participate in detailed sessions focusing on the technical aspects and operational integration of RES technologies. These sessions can be tailored to different levels of technical expertise. The warm-up events will facilitate roundtables/sessions that bring together technology providers, industry actors, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss innovations, challenges, and collaboration opportunities. These events can focus on identifying common goals, sharing best practices, and exploring new partnership opportunities. In the context of the awareness-raising campaign actions, farm visits can be organised to showcase practical applications of RES on working farms, and to hear firsthand success stories of local farmers who have successfully integrated RES. Farmers/Local Value Chain Actors, Livestock Industry Representatives The primary motivation of Local Value Chain Actors and Farmers for engaging with the Italian UC activities is to broaden their knowledge of RES application and potential. They will have the chance to share their knowledge and establish collaborations with different types of stakeholders while providing insights into the project’s activities and helping produce tangible results, applicable to real-life cases. The first step for the engagement of local value chain actors and farmers is to create awareness about the project, the benefits of RES use at farms and the Italian UC. To this end, the promotional material of the project and the dissemination channels of the project (website, social media accounts, etc.), as well as word of mouth and press releases in sector magazines can be employed. The UC team’s close connections to farmers can facilitate these initial interactions. The dissemination material of the project will be adjusted according to local stakeholders’ needs, with any complex meanings translated into an easy-to-grasp language for farmers and rural actors to resonate with. The aim is to describe the overall scope of the UC and explain, in simple terms, how RES can benefit the economy, environment and society at a local level. Key Messages : • RES can significantly reduce operational costs and improve energy independence : Emphasise how renewable energy sources can lower energy expenses and reduce dependency on external providers, improving financial stability and self-sufficiency on farms. 18/10/2024 Page 22 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) • Implementing RES can enhance farm sustainability and productivity: Highlight how the integration of RE technologies can improve overall farm efficiency, supporting long-term sustainability and increased productivity. • Government incentives and support are available for adopting RES technologies : Inform farmers and stakeholders about the various subsidies, tax credits, and financial incentives offered by the government to encourage the adoption of RES. • Synergies between agrivoltaics and biodiversity boosting: Stress how combining agricultural practices with RES like agrivoltaics can not only benefit energy efficiency but also promote ecological balance, boosting biodiversity and supporting wildlife-friendly farming systems. The next step for the engagement of Local Value Chain Actors and Farmers will be to invite them to participate in -ideally, face-to-faceactivities, such as the warm-up events (T3.1), awareness-raising activities (T3.2) and training workshops (T3.4) that will bring together stakeholders' relevant to RES uptake at farms. These sessions can also be used to collect feedback on the HarvRESt tools and methodologies. Overall, it is important to keep this stakeholder group regularly updated with the progress and the activities of the UC, providing opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and skills through training but also less formal ways of interaction. In the context of the Italian UC awareness-raising campaign, farm visits can be organised to showcase practical applications of RES on working farms, and to hear firsthand success stories of local farmers who have successfully integrated RES. Participation of the UC team in agricultural fairs can also help engage a broader audience of farmers and agri-sector stakeholders. Additionally, launching a survey or set of interviews can allow for the collection of detailed feedback, opinions, and insights directly from rural actors, helping to tailor the project's approach to meet their specific needs and concerns. Research organisations The engagement of research organisations is important for the creation of synergies and the involvement of researchers and students in fostering RES uptake at farms. By highlighting research opportunities in agrivoltaics and sustainable farming practices, the project can attract collaborations on new studies and innovations. Furthermore, research organisations will have access to project data, findings, and practical applications, providing a rich resource for further research and contributing to the development of innovative solutions that support sustainable agriculture. Key Messages : • Research opportunities in agrivoltaics and sustainable farming practices. • Potential for collaboration on new studies and innovations. • Access to project data, findings, and practical applications for further research. The first step is to raise awareness to the research organisations through an informative e-mail to them. Arousing their interest in the HarvRESt project will be achieved by offering concrete information on the benefits for those deciding to join the project activities and, namely, by presenting them the future opportunities for collaborations with other relevant actors. Further interaction through invitations to the project warm-up events (T3.1), awareness-raising activities (T3.2) and training workshops (T3.4) is foreseen. In the context of the Italian UC awareness-raising campaign, the academic and research community can be 18/10/2024 Page 23 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) further engaged through networking opportunities, which would foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of agrivoltaics and RES integration at farms. Environmental associations and Energy communities/RESCoops The motivation of Energy Communities and RESCoops to engage in the Italian UC activities can be fostered by emphasising the community and economic advantages of RES adoption. The initial step in communication can be through a detailed letter or email, outlining HarvRESt’s vision, goals, and the specific objectives of the UC. This initial outreach will focus on two main objectives: first, to share insights on RES and HarvRESt’s vision, and second, to encourage their active involvement in the Italian UC activities. Key Messages : • Highlight how HarvRESt’s initiatives contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable farming practices, aligning with the environmental goals of these groups. • Showcase how participation in HarvRESt can empower communities to lead in the transition to renewable energy, creating models of success that can be replicated elsewhere. • Encourage partnerships between environmental associations, energy communities, and other stakeholders to amplify the impact of sustainable energy projects and environmental stewardship. • Highlight the opportunity to collaborate with experts and gain access to resources that can enhance the effectiveness of their environmental and energy initiatives. As part of the Italian UC awareness-raising campaign (T3.2), farm visits could be organised to demonstrate the practical use of RES on active farms, allowing participants to hear firsthand success stories from local farmers on how RES has positively impacted local communities. In the context of the training workshops (T3.4), sessions on the benefits of RES and more specifically agrivoltaics can be held to engage energy communities’ members and environmental associations. Their participation in the warm-up events will facilitate networking opportunities with other stakeholder groups, fostering collaboration in RES projects and shared learning across the project. Regional Authorities, Policymakers The engagement of public authorities and EU initiatives can significantly support and promote the overall vision of the Italian UC. Local, regional and national authorities will be informed about the UC scope and composition through online or physical meetings and relevant promotional material in the local language (if available) will be shared. Further communication through email or phone will focus on presenting the results of the co-creation activities, while their invitation to the project policy sessions (T7.3) will help identify possible connections and synergies and encourage discussion about relevant policies and investments at the local and EU level. Key Messages : • Economic development and job creation: Highlight the potential for RES integration to drive regional economic growth and create jobs within the agricultural sector. • Regulatory support and streamlined processes: Emphasise the need for supportive policies and streamlined regulatory processes to facilitate RES adoption. 18/10/2024 Page 24 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) • Environmental sustainability and energy independence: Underline the environmental benefits and the role of RES in enhancing energy independence and meeting sustainability goals. In the framework of T3.4, training modules targeting policymakers and regional authorities can be prepared, focusing on the technical aspects, economic benefits, and regulatory requirements of RES adoption can be organised. These sessions would provide actionable insights and practical guidance to public authorities. Policymakers and regional authorities should be kept informed about the Italian UC updates, indicatively through a series of newsletters as part of the awareness-raising campaign (T3.2). Citizen associations and NGOs Engaging citizen associations is important for the Italian UC as one of the key objectives of their engagement strategy is to enhance the public’s understanding and acceptance of RES. The groups of citizen associations and NGOs will be addressed through the project dissemination material including press releases, journalistic articles, website, newsletters. To achieve broad dissemination of the UC scope and activities and increase RES public acceptability, social media campaigns through both the project and partners’ accounts will take place. For these campaigns, local language can be used together with relevant hashtags that can easily convey key messages. Finally, it is important to note that the use of technical and scientific concepts in communication targeted to the general public should be avoided. Key Messages : • RES adoption contributes to environmental sustainability and community resilience. • Community involvement in RES projects can enhance local economic development. • Education and awareness are key to driving the transition to renewable energy. Horizontal Additional engagement formats (optional) The engagement activities detailed below are not part of the formal project implementation but are the result of two rounds of bilateral discussions and brainstorming sessions with the UC teams and their RTOs. They are intended to strengthen each UC strategy, ensuring their relevance both during and after the project’s duration. Farm visits, demonstration events Farm visits can be an effective way to engage stakeholders in the context of HarvRESt awareness-raising activities (T3.2) by providing a hands-on, immersive experience that highlights the practical benefits of renewable energy solutions in agriculture. These visits allow stakeholders to see firsthand how renewable energy technologies are integrated into farming operations, offering a clear demonstration of their economic and environmental advantages. By interacting directly with successful adopters and observing the impact on productivity and sustainability, stakeholders gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the potential for renewable energy to transform the agricultural sector. This tangible experience can foster stronger connections, build trust, and inspire greater commitment to the project’s goals. Interviews & Surveys Interviews and surveys can be highly effective tools for engaging stakeholders in the Italian UC. These methods allow for the collection of detailed feedback, opinions, and insights directly from stakeholders, helping to tailor the project's approach to meet their specific needs and concerns. Interviews provide an opportunity for indepth discussions, enabling stakeholders to express their views, share experiences, and contribute valuable 18/10/2024 Page 25 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) ideas that can shape the project's direction. Surveys, on the other hand, can reach a broader audience, gathering quantitative and qualitative data that reflect the diverse perspectives of the stakeholder community. By using interviews and surveys, the project can ensure that stakeholder voices are heard and integrated into the decision-making process, leading to more informed and inclusive strategies. These activities can take place indicatively in the framework of warm-up events (T3.1), and awareness-raising activities (T3.2). 4.1.4 Action Plan This section sets the time plan for the deployment of the channels and activities that will be used for each of the targeted stakeholders of the Italian UC. The action plan for the stakeholders’ engagement in the region is summarised in Table 6. Table 6. Stakeholders’ Engagement Action Plan for the Italian UC Targeted stakeholder Channel/Action Timing Technology providers, Investors & Agroentrepreneurs, Research organisations, Citizen associations Initial e-mail communications and personal interactions (T3.1) M10-M12 All IT UC stakeholders First round of warm-up events (T3.1) M07-M18 All IT UC stakeholders Second round of warm-up events (T3.1) M19-M27 All IT UC stakeholders Awareness-raising campaign (T3.2) M15-M27 All (particularly farmers, citizen associations) Capacity building – training workshop (T3.4) M19-M27 All IT UC stakeholders Cocreation sessions for the definition of the weighting criteria (T6.2) M19-M30 All IT UC stakeholders Final co-creation sessions (T6.4) M19-M36 All IT UC stakeholders Use Case working groups (T2.5) M09-M36 All IT UC stakeholders Business model workshops (T7.2) M31-M36 Authorities, Policymakers Policy sessions (T7.3) M13-M30 Denmark – CT 4.2.1 Current situation The Danish use case focuses on the integration and promotion of biogas technologies in agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. Denmark's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy sources makes biogas a pivotal component in achieving national sustainability targets. The vision is to empower and engage a diverse network of stakeholders to collaboratively advance the implementation and scalability of sustainable biogas solutions, leveraging digital tools and big data to optimise energy production and nutrient management in rural areas. The Danish UC is composed of these two partners as shown in Table 7. 18/10/2024 Page 32 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) opportunity for community members to gain knowledge on social, economic and technical aspects of agrivoltaics technology and the national regulatory framework. Local Authorities, Governmental bodies The motivation of local authorities to participate in the Spanish VdV-VRT UC activities can be enhanced by emphasising the economic growth and regulatory advantages offered by RES integration into agricultural practices in the region. The initial communication can be delivered through a well-drafted letter or email, presenting HarvRESt’s vision, goals, and the specific objectives of the Spanish UC. This outreach will target two key aims: first, to highlight the benefits of RES and HarvRESt’s vision, and second, to invite their active participation in the Spanish VdV-VRT Use Case activities. Engaging local authorities in the Spanish case is crucial for advancing the project's vision. Local, regional, and national authorities can be engaged through the UC activities including warm-up events (T3.1), training workshops (T3.4), and awareness-raising activities (T3.2). To ensure clear communication, relevant promotional materials will be provided in Spanish. Participation of project partners in external events, such as conferences, will be a key strategy for building connections and identifying synergies with broader EU initiatives. Ongoing communication, including email and phone outreach, will be used to present the outcomes of co-creation activities. Additionally, inviting these authorities to participate in project policy sessions (T7.3) will facilitate discussions on relevant policies and investments at both local and EU levels. Key Messages • Economic development through RES integration o Highlight the role of RES projects in stimulating local economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting investment in sustainable technologies. • Regulatory support for streamlined processes o Advocate for policies that simplify administrative procedures, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and encourage investment in RES infrastructure. 4.3.4 Action Plan Based on the Grant Agreement requirements and the needs of the Use Case, a preliminary timeline of the HarvRESt stakeholder engagement strategy and plan for the Spanish UC is presented in Table 10. The implementation time plan accounts for the stakeholder engagement activities foreseen by the end of the project, and it’s subject to slight adjustments as long as task durations are respected. 18/10/2024 Page 33 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Table 10. Stakeholders’ engagement action plan for the Spanish VdV-VRT UC Targeted stakeholder Channel/Action Timing Energy sector & Technology providers, Academia Initial e-mail communications and personal interactions (T3.1) M10-M12 All ES UC stakeholders First round of warm-up events (T3.1) M07-M18 All ES UC stakeholders Second round of warm-up events (T3.1) M19-M27 All ES UC stakeholders Awareness-raising campaign (T3.2) M15-M27 All ES UC stakeholders Capacity building – training workshop (T3.4) M17-M27 All ES UC stakeholders Co-creation sessions for the definition of the weighting criteria (T6.2) M19-M30 All ES UC stakeholders Final co-creation sessions (T6.4) M19-M36 All ES UC stakeholders Use Case working groups (T2.5) M09-M36 All ES UC stakeholders Business model workshops (T7.2) M31-M36 Governmental bodies, Authorities Policy sessions (T7.3) M13-M30 Spain - ACSA-Sorigué 4.4.1 Current situation ACSA-Sorigué aims to leverage Catalonia’s abundant biogenic resources to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion, aligning with circular economy principles and waste hierarchy. The agriculture and livestock sectors play a pivotal role in this process, significantly contributing to methane emissions, which can be mitigated through biogas production. The vision for stakeholder engagement in the ACSA-Sorigué UC is to create an inclusive, well-informed, and collaborative environment that promotes the integration of RES in agriculture. The core component of the stakeholder engagement strategy for this Use Case will focus on awareness and knowledge sharing. In addition to common engagement activities across all Use Cases (such as awarenessraising campaigns and warm-ups), this vision will be achieved through knowledge-sharing initiatives and the active involvement of local champions. The Spanish ACSA-Sorigué Use Case is composed of these two partners shown in Table 11. Table 11. Composition of the Spanish ACSA-Sorigué UC Partner Stakeholder group Role in the project Sorigué / ACSA Company active in construction, services, technology, energy and water engineering sectors Use Case UVic-UCC / BETA Research Centre UC supporter RTO 4.4.2 Local Stakeholder Ecosystem The key target stakeholders in ACSA-Sorigué include a diverse range of groups essential for the success of renewable energy initiatives. Energy companies and Investors lead the way in developing renewable energy technologies and play a crucial role in executing pilot projects, positioning them as key players in the shift towards sustainable energy. Farmers play a crucial role, as their participation and support directly impact the success of renewable energy projects, given their control over the land and resources needed for such initiatives. Livestock industry representatives are also vital, as they can drive demand for renewable energy 18/10/2024 Page 34 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) technologies that can be integrated into livestock operations, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Environmental associations advocate for sustainable practices and support renewable energy integration, helping to validate the environmental benefits of these projects and influencing public opinion and policy. Energy communities are crucial for promoting decentralised energy solutions and ensuring that the economic benefits of renewable energy projects are shared locally. Finally, public authorities are essential for creating a supportive regulatory environment and providing the necessary incentives and infrastructure to facilitate renewable energy adoption. 4.4.3 Strategy for stakeholder engagement (per stakeholder group) These stakeholder groups differ in their levels of knowledge, scale of operations, and interests. Additionally, each group has unique motivations and concerns regarding the integration of RES at the farm level. As a result, customised messages and strategies have been developed for each stakeholder group, with the goal of more effectively addressing their particular concerns, needs, and motivations. Energy companies, Investors & agro-entrepreneurs Energy companies and investors are among the most important groups for RES integration in farms in the Spanish ACSA-Sorigué UC. The UC team will trigger their interest in the project activities by presenting them with the economic and environmental benefits of RES integration, and more specifically biogas production at the farm level. CBC (Clúster Bioenergia de Catalunya) can support the engagement process with their existing links with industry actors. A starting point for engaging them in the process will be via e-mails or one-to-one meetings. A brief project presentation will help stakeholders become acquainted with the goals, concepts, and ideas of HarvRESt and the local UC. At a later stage, Energy companies, Investors & agro-entrepreneurs will be engaged in the project activities, including the warm-up events (T3.1), training workshops (T3.4), and awareness raising activities (T3.2). Key Messages: • Economic Returns: Emphasise the potential for high returns on investment through the integration of RES, particularly biogas production at the farm level, which can create new revenue streams and reduce operational costs. • Environmental Impact: Highlight the significant role that RES can play in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with corporate sustainability goals and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. • Market Leadership: Position RES integration as a cutting-edge opportunity to lead in the renewable energy market, setting industry standards and capitalising on early adoption in the agricultural sector. Farmers, Livestock industry representatives Farmers are one of the leading stakeholder groups of the Spanish ACSA-Sorigué UC, as well as Livestock industry representatives. A key motivation for engagement will be presenting them the economic benefits of biogas facilities at farms, and explaining in simple terms the technicalities and current legislative frameworks in place. The project activities, warm-up events (T3.1), training workshops (T3.4), and awareness raising activities (T3.2) will facilitate their exchanges with technical experts, and their participation in community 18/10/2024 Page 35 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) meetings and industry events to share their experiences and challenges and improve their understanding of the benefits of RES. Key Messages: • Economic benefits of biogas production : Highlight the potential cost savings and additional revenue streams from biogas generation and digestate as organic fertilisers. • Environmental sustainability and methane emission reduction : Emphasise how biogas production reduces methane emissions from organic waste, contributing to environmental stewardship. • Integration of biogas as a sustainable waste management solution : Highlight the role of biogas in reducing waste and lowering environmental impact. • Economic incentives through biogas valorisation: Discuss the economic benefits of biogas production and the potential for revenue generation from biogas projects. • Improvements in agriculture through digestate use : Emphasise the benefits of using digestate as a high-quality organic fertiliser, improving soil health, boosting crop yields, and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, further enhancing farm sustainability. The initial phase of communication with farmers will involve informing them about the project, its overall methodology, and the specific objectives of the Spanish UC through personal interactions and emails. Project promotional materials and communication channels, including newsletters, press releases, social media, and the website, will be utilised for this purpose. In the context of the UC awareness-raising campaign (T3.2), farm visits and demonstration events can be organised, where examples of successful biogas facilities’ implementation will be showcased. By seeing the technology in action, farmers and livestock industry representatives can better understand how biogas can be integrated into their own operations, reducing perceived risks and uncertainties. During the training workshops (T3.4), farmers and livestock industry representatives will learn about the technical aspects of biogas production, such as system maintenance, methane capture, and waste management. These sessions could also cover the current legislative frameworks and economic incentives available. During the warm-up events, farmers will be given the opportunity to connect with peers who have already adopted biogas technology. These events can include panel discussions, roundtable meetings, or informal networking sessions. These events will allow stakeholders to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and explore solutions collaboratively, thereby enhancing their confidence in adopting biogas technologies. These events will help identify potential early adopters and local champions who can further advocate for the HarvRESt approach. Engagement will be strengthened by involving farmers in the co-design of tools and solutions, offering them direct benefits and incentives for participating in HarvRESt activities. Environmental Associations, Energy Communities A key motivation for Environmental Associations to engage in the Spanish UC activities is the opportunity to learn about the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of biogas production at farms, particularly given their previous resistance to such projects. By joining the UC activities, Environmental Associations can play a crucial role in shaping its environmental practices, ensuring that biogas production is implemented in an environmentally responsible manner. Their involvement can help advocate for higher environmental standards and influence public policy towards more sustainable farming practices. At the same time, Energy 18/10/2024 Page 36 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Communities/RESCoops are driven by the desire to increase local control over energy production and consumption. The UC’s focus on biogas production at farms offers a way to generate renewable energy locally, reducing reliance on external energy sources and promoting energy independence within the community. By participating in the UC activities, Energy Communities can ensure that the economic gains from biogas production stay within the local area, supporting local development and sustainability. Key Messages: • Transparency in biogas operations and environmental impacts : Emphasise the importance of environmental monitoring and reporting in biogas projects. • Collaboration opportunities for sustainable development : Advocate for sustainable biogas practices and policies that align with environmental conservation goals. • Renewable energy benefits of biogas : Highlight the role of biogas in diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. • Collective action for energy independence : Promote communitybased biogas projects that empower local energy communities. In the framework of the awareness-raising activities (T3.2), farm visits and stories of collective action that have demonstrated significant social and environmental impacts on local communities can inspire environmental associations and energy communities. Additionally, as part of T3.2 activities, workshops focused on environmental transparency can be organised, showcasing how biogas production can be properly monitored and reported responsibly. These workshops can invite environmental associations to actively participate in designing and overseeing the environmental monitoring processes. Public Authorities Public authorities’ motivation to join HarvRESt activities can be triggered through economical aspects as well as through social benefits. Biogas production at farms can stimulate local economies by creating jobs, generating new revenue streams, and attracting investments in rural areas. Public Authorities, particularly at the local and regional levels, would be motivated by the potential to boost economic activity, support agricultural sustainability, and enhance energy security. Their participation can help in designing incentive structures, subsidies, and other financial mechanisms to encourage widespread adoption. Their endorsement and involvement in the warm-up events (T3.1) can legitimise the project, making it more likely to gain public support. Communication can take place either through email or phone and further interaction through invitations to the project workshops, policy events is foreseen. Key Messages: • Policy support for renewable energy integration: Highlight the role of biogas in achieving regional and national renewable energy targets. • Economic and environmental benefits of biogas projects: Emphasise the potential for job creation, economic growth, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction through biogas. In the context of the awareness-raising campaign (T3.2), visits to success cases can take place to demonstrate how supportive policies have enabled these successes. Authorities gain a clearer understanding of the realworld impact of their policies, facilitating informed decision-making. In the same context, public authorities 18/10/2024 Page 37 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) will be encouraged to participate in public information campaigns that explain the benefits of biogas, the role of local governance, and how supportive policies can encourage more farms to adopt renewable energy. As part of the UC policy sessions (T7.3), public authorities can participate in roundtable discussions that bring together local, regional, and national authorities to discuss the role of biogas in regional development and how policy can support its integration. 4.4.4 Action Plan This section sets the time plan for the deployment of the channels and activities that will be used for each of the targeted stakeholders of the Spanish ACSA-Sorigué UC. The action plan for the stakeholders’ engagement in the region is summarised in Table 12. Table 12. Stakeholders’ engagement action plan for the Spanish ACSA-Sorigué UC Targeted stakeholder Channel/Action Timing Energy sector & Technology providers, Academia Initial e-mail communications and personal interactions (T3.1) M10-M12 All ES UC stakeholders First round of warm-up events (T3.1) M07-M18 All ES UC stakeholders Second round of warm-up events (T3.1) M19-M27 All ES UC stakeholders Awareness-raising campaign (T3.2) M15-M27 All ES UC stakeholders Capacity building – training workshop (T3.4) M17-M27 All ES UC stakeholders Co-creation sessions for the definition of the weighting criteria (T6.2) M19-M30 All ES UC stakeholders Final co-creation sessions (T6.4) M19-M36 All ES UC stakeholders Use Case working groups (T2.5) M09-M36 All ES UC stakeholders Business model workshops (T7.2) M31-M36 Authorities, Policymakers Policy sessions (T7.3) M13-M30 Norway – GGE 4.5.1 Current situation In Norway, GGE will install wind and hydropower technologies to achieve 100% renewable energy coverage. Currently, GGE meets 50% of their energy demand with existing assets, requiring effective integration with new installations through smart energy systems. GGE and NORCE will collaborate to develop an intelligent energy system for total decarbonisation, focusing on data management for optimised asset coordination. The key objective is to manage energy storage interaction with renewable assets and optimise resource use in farm activities. Additionally, GGE will explore synergies with the Spanish-ACSA-Sorigué and the Danish UCs for biogas production and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installations, aiming for broader technology deployment and replication. The engagement vision focuses on demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of utilising the local potential of renewable energy systems around the UC. By prioritising education, awareness campaigns, and robust knowledge sharing, the goal is to pave the way for broader adoption and dissemination of RES technologies in the agricultural sector. The Norwegian Use case is composed of these two partners shown in Table 13. 18/10/2024 Page 38 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Table 13. Composition of the Norwegian UC Partner Stakeholder group Role in the project Grønn Gårdsenergi (GGE) Farm (cattle, sheep and pigs) Use Case Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) Research Institute UC Supporter RTO 4.5.2 Local Stakeholder Ecosystem The Norwegian UC involves a diverse and interconnected local stakeholder ecosystem, crucial for the successful integration of RES in the agricultural sector. The energy companies and technology providers play a vital role in supplying and maintaining the necessary RES infrastructure. The involvement of Individual researchers and research organisations ensures continuous innovation and the dissemination of best practices. Additionally, Authorities and national ministries are instrumental in creating a conducive regulatory environment and facilitating funding opportunities for RES adoption. Clusters & Sectorial organisations contribute by raising awareness, supporting farmers, and raising public support for RES initiatives. Together, these stakeholders form a collaborative network aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices within the agricultural landscape of Norway. 4.5.3 Strategy for stakeholder engagement (per stakeholder group) Each stakeholder group has unique motivations and concerns regarding the integration of RE solutions at the farm level. Therefore, customised messages and strategies have been developed for each stakeholder group, designed to more effectively address their specific concerns, needs, and motivations. Energy Companies and SMEs Energy companies and SMEs are among the most important groups for RES integration in farms in the Norwegian UC. The UC partners will trigger their interest in the project activities by presenting them with the economic and environmental benefits of RES integration at the farm level. A starting point for engaging them in the process will be via e-mails, direct and personal discussions and meetings. A short project presentation will help to familiarise stakeholders with the goals, concepts, and ideas of HarvRESt and the local UC. At a later stage, Energy companies and SMEs will be engaged in the project activities, including the training workshops (T3.4), warm-up events (T3.1), and awareness-raising activities (T3.2). Key Messages Economic opportunities through RES investment • Profitability through Innovation: Detail the financial incentives and business growth opportunities presented by investing in RES, including access to new markets and diversified energy portfolios. • Cost Efficiency: Demonstrate how RES can lower operational costs and improve profit margins through efficient energy use and the potential sale of excess energy. • Government Incentives: Highlight available government subsidies, tax breaks, and financial incentives for RES investments, making the case for RES as a financially viable venture. In the Norwegian UC, this group can be further engaged through participation in warm-up events (T3.1), training workshops (T3.4), and awareness-raising activities (T3.2). As part of the Norwegian UC awareness campaign, farm visits and technology demonstrations can be organised, including tours of operational RES 18/10/2024 Page 39 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) installations to showcase technology capabilities, efficiency improvements, and the potential for integration with agricultural activities. Additionally, tailored newsletters focusing on regulatory updates and project successes can be distributed to energy companies and SMEs representatives, providing them with regular insights into regulatory changes affecting the RES sector and sharing success stories from completed projects to build credibility and foster trust. Individual Researchers, Research organisations The engagement of Individual Researchers and Research organisations is important for the creation of synergies and involvement of researchers and students in fostering RES uptake at farms. They can foster education and training through STEM methodologies to familiarise the general public with the potential and benefits of RES applications at farms. The first communication can take place either through email or phone to inform them about the overall approach of HarvRESt as well as the specific scope of the Norwegian UC. Key Messages: • Emphasise the role of research and innovation in advancing RES technologies for agriculture. • Highlight the importance of academic-industry partnerships in driving practical, real-world solutions. Inviting researchers to participate in the project’s warm-up events (T3.1), awareness-raising activities (T3.2), and training workshops (T3.4) will allow them to contribute their expertise while gaining insights into the project’s progress and outcomes. Such involvement can also inspire new research directions and foster the integration of STEM education methodologies to promote RES understanding among the broader public. As part of the warm-up events (T3.1), researchers will be provided with networking opportunities and the chance to establish partnerships with other universities and research institutions. These connections can also facilitate access to grants and funding opportunities specifically aimed at RES innovation in agriculture. Clusters & Sectorial organisations Clusters and sectorial organisations can be effectively engaged in the Norwegian case of the HarvRESt project by leveraging their role as industry leaders and knowledge hubs. The UC will create opportunities for them to engage in discussions, share insights, and explore RES integration in agriculture through targeted workshops and discussions. Key Messages: • Promote the role of RES in achieving regional sustainability targets and enhancing farm productivity. • Outline the technical support and resources available to farmers for RES implementation. The first step of communication with clusters and sectorial organisations will be to inform them about the overall approach of HarvRESt as well as the specific scope of the Norwegian UC via direct personal contact. The promotional material of the project and the dissemination channels of the project (website, social media accounts, newsletters etc.,) can be used. Following this, they will be shared invitations to join the warm-up events (T3.1), awareness-raising activities (T3.2) and training workshops (T3.4). As part of the policy sessions (7.3) the clusters and sectorial organisations can be further engaged to discuss policy, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards related to RES in agriculture. Additionally, in the context 18/10/2024 Page 40 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) of the UC awareness-raising activities, they can participate in farm visits/demonstration events where they can see demonstrations of RES technologies on farms. These events will provide hands-on experience and a tangible understanding of how RES can be integrated into agricultural practices, encouraging them to advocate for wider adoption within their networks. Authorities (regional, local), National ministries The motivation of local authorities to participate in the Norwegian Use Case activities can be boosted by highlighting the economic benefits and regulatory advantages offered by RES integration into agricultural practices in the region. The initial communication can be delivered through a well-drafted email or direct personal contact, presenting HarvRESt’s vision, goals, and the specific objectives of the Norwegian UC. This outreach will target two key aims: first, to highlight the benefits of RES and HarvRESt’s vision, and second, to invite their active participation in the Norwegian UC activities including the warm-up events (T3.1), awareness raising activities (T3.2) and training workshops (T3.4). Key Messages • Job Creation: Emphasise how RES projects can create new jobs in installation, maintenance, and operation, boosting local economies and providing skilled employment opportunities. • Economic Growth: Illustrate how RES can drive economic growth by attracting investment, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness in the global market. • Infrastructure Development: Explain how RES projects can lead to improvements in local infrastructure, such as upgraded energy grids and increased energy reliability. • Policy Alignment: Advocate for the alignment of local policies with EU directives to ensure cohesive and supportive regulatory environments for RES adoption. • Streamlined Approvals: Stress the importance of simplifying administrative procedures to expedite RES project approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. • Incentives and Support: Encourage the development of supportive policies, including grants, subsidies, and technical assistance programs, to promote RES adoption and address potential barriers. In the framework of the policy activities, the authorities and ministries’ representatives can be further engaged in policy discussions during the HarvRESt policy sessions (T7.3), where they can directly engage with project leaders and other stakeholders to discuss and shape the regulatory frameworks that support RES integration. Additionally, in the context of the Norwegian UC awareness-raising campaign (T3.2), site visits to operational RES installations at farms can take place, providing a practical understanding of the benefits and feasibility of these technologies, demonstrating how they align with regional development goals such as job creation, economic growth, and infrastructure development. These visits can be coupled with presentations on the longterm economic benefits and potential job creation associated with RES projects, tailored to resonate with the authorities' mandates and interests. 18/10/2024 Page 41 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) 4.5.4 Action Plan This section sets the time plan for the deployment of the channels and activities that will be used for each of the targeted stakeholders of the Norwegian UC. The action plan for the stakeholders’ engagement in the region is summarised in Table 14. Table 14. Stakeholders’ engagement action plan for the Norwegian UC Targeted stakeholder Channel/Action Timing All NO UC stakeholders Initial e-mail communications and personal interactions (T3.1) M10-M12 All NO UC stakeholders First round of warm-up events (T3.1) M07-M18 All NO UC stakeholders Second round of warm-up events (T3.1) M19-M27 All NO UC stakeholders Awareness-raising campaign (T3.2) M15-M27 All NO UC stakeholders Capacity building – training workshop (T3.4) M19-M27 All NO UC stakeholders Co-creation sessions for the definition of the weighting criteria (T6.2) M19-M30 All NO UC stakeholders Final co-creation sessions (T6.4) M19-M36 All NO UC stakeholders Use Case working groups (T2.5) M09-M36 All NO UC stakeholders Business model workshops (T7.2) M31-M36 All NO UC stakeholders Policy sessions (T7.3) M13-M30 18/10/2024 Page 48 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) It should be clear that these objectives frame the overarching purpose of these actions. It is expected that Use Case partners and their RTOs clearly define specific pilot objectives for each warm-up. 7.2.3 Action plan for the warm-up events Action Who When Initial guidelines and template White Early June 2024 (M6) Share event plan and agenda (4 – 6 weeks before each event) Use Case & RTO M7 – M18 (1st Round) M18 – M27 (2nd Round) Event organisation and implementation phase Use Case & RTO M7 – M18 (1st Round) M18 – M27 (2nd Round) Fill out workshop reporting templates and send them to WR Use Case & RTO Max 2 weeks after the warm-up Analysis of the warm-up actions outcomes White TBD 7.2.4 Before the event Τhere are several steps that need to be followed to organise a warm-up event. Before holding the warm-up, all Use Cases and their RTOs should: • Define a diverse audience. - The main goal of the warm-up events is to promote HarvRESt's vision and attract further mobilisation of local actors, bringing a broader part of the community together. To achieve that purpose, identify a broad set of relevant local stakeholders to invite, including citizens, public authorities, farmers, energy cooperatives, agricultural associations, medium and large-sized energy industries, etc. More information on this is provided in Section 3.2. • Pick a date, a venue, and a suitable time. - Adapt to your audience. It is better to avoid work hours and local holidays. The duration of the event might vary, but it should not exceed 2-3 hours, especially if held online, to maintain the attendees’ interest. Please, take into consideration that invitations should be sent, ideally, at least 6 weeks before the warm-up event date. • Prepare an invitation email, an online registration form, and make sure that participants sign Consent Form before joining: Once you have identified participants and fixed a date, invitations can be sent. Please note that tailored invitations are more effective than generic emails. Do not forget to include a registration form in the email. As the warn-up events need to be reported, it is important to know Please note: The first round of warm-up events will mainly focus on engaging local stakeholders, introducing them to the project and its vision and collecting feedback from the local community to better steer the project and align it with regional needs. The second round will be enhanced with the presentation of some key project results and further engagement in fruitful discussions. Ideally, the second round will take place once the project has generated some initial results to update the stakeholders involved about HarvRESt’s progress. 18/10/2024 Page 49 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) how many participants have attended per stakeholder group and subgroup. For the Consent Form, please see Subsection 7.2.12. • Select digital platform (if online): choose the software that will be used based on the specific needs of the events. For example, if you want to have brainstorming or co-creation sessions, platforms that support the formation and management of rooms are preferable. More information on this is provided in Section 3.2. • Prepare the event communication text and identify key hashtags: use simple language and hashtags to be used in the dissemination of the event across social media channels, email, etc. • Send out communication text two weeks before the event: proper dissemination can result in higher rates of attendance and thus, higher rates of holding a successful event. • Inform the HarvRESt dissemination and communication manager (FBCD) and the consortium: exploit the existing channels of the project to disseminate your event. On top of this, you may also use the channels of organisations your Use Case has already been working with. • Assign roles of facilitator and support coordinator: the events need to have at least one facilitator, who will lead the event, and one support coordinator, who may take notes, support external programs and collect answers for Q&A. Notetaking is crucial for the development of further project activities, so the person dedicated to taking notes should be exempted of other tasks. If the event attracts more than 30-40 attendees or you would like to slip participants into groups, you might need more support coordinators. • Prepare slides for presentation (if applicable). - This might be an introductory presentation of the project and the local Use Cases, a brief description regarding the purpose of the event and how this can be beneficial for the stakeholders. Additional information can be provided based on the specific objectives of each event. • Send reminders one week and the day before the event. - based on the registration information, send a reminder to the potential attendees the day before the event to remind stakeholders of the importance of their participation. 7.2.5 Ideas for types of events Different engagement formats and tools are a critical part of stakeholder engagement activities such as the HarvRESt warm-up events. Not all engagement formats serve the same purpose, and they need to be selected considering not only the overall objectives for the warm-ups but each Use case's particularities and objectives. Furthermore, these tools and engagement methods must always be tailored to the specific needs of the different stakeholder groups. A non-exhaustive selection of engagement tools and formats is presented below: • Stakeholder workshops. - A workshop has the advantage of convening a broad array of stakeholders to discuss various topics or prospective issues, exchange knowledge and ideas, and potentially identify or co-create solutions. For the warm-ups, some examples of topics for these workshops could be offering sessions on sustainable farming practices and integrating RES into agricultural operations. • Focus groups. - Gathering a small group of stakeholders to discuss a specific topic or issue in depth can provide valuable insights into stakeholder perspectives, concerns, and preferences. This format can be particularly useful for engaging local communities. 18/10/2024 Page 50 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) • Field visits or guided farm tours: Provide tours of the Use Case farms or local farms already utilising RES to offer firsthand experiences and inspiration. • Community Forums: Host panel discussions involving experts, farmers, industry representatives and residents to address concerns and promote dialogue. • Guest Speakers: Invite local farmers who have successfully implemented renewable energy solutions to share their experiences and insights through short talks or Q&A sessions. • Networking Sessions: Facilitate opportunities for farmers and residents to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on RES initiatives. • Educational Exhibits or Interventions: Set up informational booths highlighting the benefits and practical applications of RES in farming. • Renewable Energy Showcases: Host showcases featuring innovative RES technologies and success stories from other regions. • Information Sessions: Schedule short, informative talks or Q&A sessions on topics like the benefits of RES for farms, financial incentives, and case studies of successful implementations. 7.2.6 Audience of warm-up events Identify stakeholders Participants representing varying types of stakeholders are the most important factor for the success of these events. Based on the stakeholder identification activity conducted as part of Task 3.1, the HarvRESt Use Cases’ ecosystem usually comprises the stakeholder groups showed in Table 16. 18/10/2024 Page 51 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Table 16. Types of potential participants Stakeholder group Who Industry Energy sector companies Transport companies Investors & agro-entrepreneurs SMEs and micro-enterprises Technology providers Medium and large-sized energy industries Primary producers, energy end users Agri-sector Local value chain actors Farmers Livestock Industry Representatives Academia and scientific community Individual researchers Research organisations R&D units in private companies Universities Civil society General public Citizen associations NGOs Civil Society Associations Environmental Associations Energy communities/RESCoops Agricultural Associations/cooperatives Clusters & Sectorial organisations Policymakers Regional authorities Local authorities (e.g. municipalities) National ministries National / EU agencies Parties / Parliament Advisors / European Associations Agricultural Sustainability Advocates Other 1.500 Climate Pilot Farms Research projects Regional/local media outlets EU-funded initiatives 18/10/2024 Page 52 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) 7.2.7 Invitation Criteria Criteria for selecting participants: • Motivation: It is crucial that the stakeholders are interested in participating in our warm-up events. Bored and indifferent participants will not be interested in further being engaged in the project’s activities or disseminating the project’s results at the local level. • Influence: Participants with the power or capacity to make or influence decisions and affect the current framework conditions for RES integration at the farm level. For example, local or regional authorities. • Wide range of participants’ sample: try to cover as many stakeholder groups as possible (see Table 1) to maximise the outreach of the warm-up event and gather different perspectives. • Relevance for the Use Case. – not all stakeholder groups and subgroups are the same for the different Use Cases. Some groups might not be available or present. • Gender balance and age: as much as possible, warm-ups should ideally have a 50/50 distribution between female and male participants. Age may also be taken into consideration. 7.2.8 Invitation process At least 2 warm-up events should take place in each Use Case, attracting 25-30 attendees per event. This number is indicative, and Pilots are encouraged to invite more participants if they wish to do so. As detailed in the previous section, the first step is to identify potential participants via desk research or by tapping into your organisation's contact network. It is also recommended to further identify stakeholders by disseminating the event through the involved partners’ social media accounts/websites, radio, or posters. Maximum advantage should also be taken of the HarvRESt online presence in social networks. The project’s dissemination manager (FBCD) could provide valuable advice in this regard. After identifying potential participants, invitations can be sent to stakeholders (e.g. email invitations). It is recommended that you also attach the event agenda. Do not forget that participants must fill out an Informed Consent Form before taking part in your event (see section GDPR – Informed Consent Form). Please, take into consideration that invitations should be sent, ideally, at least 6 weeks before the warm-up event date. 7.2.9 Physical/Virtual Location In case there is difficulty in organising a physical event, organising a virtual warm-up event is a good alternative. In this context, online platforms could be used along with e-tools. Indicative suggestions, together with reference links are provided below (Table 18 and Table 19). Please note: We encourage Use Cases to include participants from their working groups (T2.5) and to consult with their RTOs and UC Working group leader. 18/10/2024 Page 53 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Table 17. Suggested Platforms Platform Link Microsoft Teams https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/group-chatsoftware Zoom https://zoom.us/ Google Hangouts https://hangouts.google.com/ Webex https://www.webex.com/ Slack https://slack.com/intl/en-gr/ Table 18. Suggested e-tools E-tools Description Link Miro Online collaborative whiteboarding, a library of templates, integration with web apps, good for brainstorming, sticky notes, freeform pen, shapes, arrows etc. https://miro.com/ Mural Sticky notes, text, shapes and connectors, icons, frameworks, images, gifs, Drawing https://www.mural.co/ Google slides or Google docs Sharing Presentations and documents https://workspace.google.com/intl/en_ie/ Zoom built-in whiteboard Sharing a whiteboard via Zoom https://zoom.us/ 7.2.10 Holding the event Once the Use Cases have defined their specific goals (on top of the common objectives fully detailed in section 1.2), the next step is to have a clear overview of the warm-up structure. This one must reflect the general objectives and the specific goals set by each Use Case. Overall, each warm-up must: - Introduce HarvRESt’s vision, best practices 3, and goals to the local communities - Attract further mobilisation of the local actors and promote networking - Foster participatory stakeholder engagement and create spaces for knowledge exchange and sharing The structure of the event can take multiple shapes. Below, you can find two indicative options of how to structure the warm-up. The amount of time dedicated to each part of the event and its format are ultimately decided by each Use Case team. 3 If the Warm-up is held after D2.1 or if some of the results of this, or any other relevant open Deliverable, are available by the moment the event happens. 18/10/2024 Page 54 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) Option A (designed for on-site participation) Event structure Time Description Introduction* 15’ The facilitator introduces himself/herself and the team, gives an overview of the event structure, and presents the HarvRESt project. Pilot Overview 10’ The facilitator introduces the Pilot, its goals, the technologies present, and proceeds to the upcoming tour/visit. Fieldwork/Use Case tour 60’ The visit must trigger participants’ interest, initiate the discussion around the benefits of integrating RES, and address factors that hinder or support RES uptake at the farm level. Core session 35’ Discussion, Q&A - Brainstorming session (indicative list of questions: Brainstorming material ideas) Closing session 10’ Wrap up and promote upcoming activities, including the second round of warm-up events. Option B (designed both for on-site or online participation) Event structure Time Description Introduction* 15’ The facilitator introduces himself/herself, gives an overview of the event structure and introduces the HarvRESt project. Core session Part 1 30-40’ Introduce the WP2 4 or other relevant project findings. This will be done to initiate the discussion around defining regional challenges: to provide a set of aspects that hinder or support RES uptake at the farm level. Core session Part 2 35-45’ Discussion, Q&A - Brainstorming session (indicative list of questions: Brainstorming material ideas) - If an online event, encouraged to use collaborative online tools (Miro, Zoom whiteboard etc.,). If using Zoom, Meet or Teams, there’s the possibility of having break-out rooms and having people assigned to them automatically or manually. If this tool is being used, you can then divide the group into smaller groups and motivate discussion by defining topics or posing specific questions. Closing session 10’ Wrap up and promote upcoming activities, if applicable. *In case it takes place physically, it’s important to start the event with a registration process and offer them the opportunity for informal networking over coffee. 4 Best practices described by Climate CKIC in D2.1 18/10/2024 Page 55 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) It is important to note that both options can be integrated and combined if the Use Case team has the resources to do. Finally, please remember that these are suggestions and there are multiple ways to structure and organise the warm-up event according to your Use Case needs. 7.2.11 After the event – Reporting Template After the end of each event, the organisers should fill in the event reporting template (also shared via e-mail and uploaded in the SharePoint repository) and send it to WR. You can also find the template via on Teams. 7.2.12 GDPR – Informed Consent Form Important! During the workshops’ implementation, personal data (e.g. contact details, group photos or call screenshots) will be collected. It is essential that all project activities fully comply with GDPR. To this aim, an informed consent form (GDPR – Informed consent form) should be distributed and signed by all participants before the event officially begins. • In the case of physical events, such a form should be signed by each participant. • In the case of virtual events, an online consent form should be prepared by organisers and filled in by participants before the workshop takes place. For further guidance, please consult the project coordination and the WP11-related material. After the event participants have agreed to the terms and conditions in our consent form, it is advisable to take some pictures (or screenshots in case of a virtual meeting) of your whiteboards, and post them or of your participants’ brainstorming phase. Please forward this content to the HarvRESt Dissemination Manager (FBCD) and Project Coordinator (CIRCE) so that these events are properly highlighted. You could also post these pictures on your organisation’s social media. Once again, it is imperative that you first get the approval/consent of all your event’s attendees. GDPR – Informed consent form5 Partner: Organisa�on name: <Insert Partner Name> Address: <Insert Partner Address> Phone: <Insert Partner Phone> Email: <Insert Partner Generic e-mail Address> Who we are? HarvRESt is a European Project (GA 101136904) that aims to integrate Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in farms looking for synergies between the energy and food sectors. By this approach, farms will become climate neutral, op�mising their produc�on and reducing their impact on natural resources and biodiversity, on top of providing energy services to communi�es and diversifying their economic income. For that, HarvRESt will develop an Agricultural Virtual Power Plant able to run different scenarios and farm configura�ons to determine the best opera�on procedures for a given RES solu�on. The full approach of HarvRESt will be 5 The informed consent form will be shared also as a separate document with the partners involved. 18/10/2024 Page 56 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) supported and executed at 4 Use Cases represen�ng different topologies of farms, a diversity of stakeholders and organisa�onal structures, dis�nct geographical condi�ons and a wide variety of RES technologies. What do we need from you? You have been invited to take part in this warm-up event, voluntarily, because you have been iden�fied as a key stakeholder for HarvRESt. In this context, we would like to learn more about your views on RES integra�on at the farm level to understand what framework condi�ons might act as a barrier or an enabler for the uptaking of RES. If you decide to par�cipate in this HarvRESt ac�vity, we will ask you to sign a HarvRESt Informed Consent Form (provided at the end of this document) to collect and process your data. The project will last 36 months but your involvement would only be for as long as you wish. What will we do with your data? The informa�on you will provide will be confiden�al and anonymous. HarvRESt project will handle your data according to the General Data Protec�on Regula�on. (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016. Responsible: HarvRESt Consor�um Purpose: Your data may be used under your consent, to par�cipate in this event. Once the data is analysed, a report of the findings may be submited. The project’s deliverables that may be derived from this ac�vity will not include your data or any other informa�on that could iden�fy you. The results of this project ac�vity may be also shared with European Union representa�ves (e.g., the Project Officer evalua�ng the project’s progress, etc.) Only broad trends will be reported, and it will not be possible to iden�fy any individuals. No risks are involved. Exercise your rights: According to the General Data Protec�on Regula�on (GDPR), you are en�tled to exercise your rights of access, rec�fica�on, elimina�on, limita�on, opposi�on, and portability and to not be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing by contac�ng by email to [email protected]. If you wish to access detailed informa�on on how the HarvRESt project handles data, you might check the HarvRESt Privacy Policy Project. (htps://www.harvrest.eu/privacy-policy/). I hereby give my consent to the processing of my data needed for: (Please, tick the boxes below to confirm that you give us your consent for the respective subject. Any boxes left unticked mean that you do not consent to that specific subject). # Consent Subject Tick box 1 I have been informed about the treatment of my data (mandatory) 2 I consent to participate in the first round of Warm-up events to learn more about RES integration at the farm level (mandatory) 3 I am interested in joining other HarvRESt activities (optional) 4 I wish to receive newsletters about the dissemination activities of HarvRESt (optional 18/10/2024 Page 57 D3.1 HarvRESt strategy for mul�-actor engagement and awareness crea�on in agro communi�es (first version) _________________________ ________________ ___________________ Name of par�cipant Date Signature ACRONYM HarvRESt PROJECT NAME Harnessing the vast poten�al of RES for sustainable farming PROGRAMME Horizon Europe TOPIC HORIZON -CL6-2023-CLIMATE-01-7 TYPE OF ACTION HORIZON Research and Innova�on Ac�ons PROJECT NUMBER 101136904 START DAY 1 January 2024 DURATION 36 months 7.2.13 Brainstorming material ideas If your Use Case opts to have co-crea�on sessions as part of the Warm-up events, an indica�ve set of ques�ons is provided below: