Egypt is growing crops beneath solar panels in the desert; the unusual idea could save water

Egypt is testing a farming system that puts solar panels above crops instead of using separate land for agriculture and electricity generation. Known as agrivoltaics, the approach is being piloted at Habiba Farm in Nuweiba, South Sinai, where elevated panels provide partial shade while crops continue growing underneath. The project is designed for Egypt's harsh desert conditions, where intense heat and limited water make agriculture difficult. Officials involved in the South Sinai project say the shade can reduce water evaporation from the soil by about 20% to 30%, while the panels generate renewable electricity. A second, larger installation is planned at Al Moghra in Marsa Matrouh, allowing researchers to examine whether the model can work beyond the initial demonstration site.How solar panels are being combined with desert farmingAgrivoltaics uses the same piece of land for two purposes. Solar panels are installed above crops at a height that allows farming to continue underneath them. The panels capture sunlight to generate electricity, while the crops receive filtered sunlight and partial shade.Egypt's South Sinai project is being tested at Habiba Farm in Nuweiba. The local go...