Benat Benito
Project Title: Impacts of agrivoltaics on biodiversity and soil physical properties
Biography: Beñat Bilbao Benito is investigating how agrivoltaic systems, where solar energy production and farming operate together, can support renewable energy production while protecting biodiversity in Ireland. His research examines how solar panels, sheep grazing and changes in microclimate affect pollinators, plants, soil health and wider ecosystem functioning.
Through fieldwork on solar farms in Counties Meath and Wexford, Beñat surveys plants and pollinators and uses environmental sensors to monitor conditions such as temperature, moisture and light beneath solar panels. By comparing solar farms with and without sheep grazing, his research aims to identify management practices that can benefit biodiversity while maintaining agricultural and energy production.
This work is important as Ireland expands renewable energy and faces increasing pressure to use land efficiently while protecting the environment. Beñat’s research will contribute to understanding how renewable energy infrastructure can be designed and managed in ways that support both biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Beñat is from Bilbao in the Basque Country, Spain. He has experience in pollinator ecology and invertebrate identification, with a particular expertise in hoverflies, and previously worked in biodiversity conservation in the Netherlands. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the Basque Country and a Master’s degree from Radboud University in the Netherlands.
Teagasc email benat.benito@teagasc.ie
University email benat.bilbaobenito2@mail.dcu.ie
Teagasc Research Programme Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme
Research Location Teagasc Johnstown Castle
University Dublin City University
Teagasc Supervisor Saorla Kavanagh
University Supervisor Fiona Regan
Funder Research Ireland (RI)