Good Practice - Project
An energy autonomous organic farm in Estonia
A CAP-funded investment in renewable energy on an organic farm in northern Estonia.
General information
RDP Priority
- P6. Social inclusion and local development
RDP Focus Area
- 6B: Local development
RDP Measure
- M19: LEADER/CLLD
Summary
Miila Mahe Aed OÜ is a small fruit-producing organic farm in northern Estonia. The farm owners decided to invest in renewable energy in the hopes of operating their farm without needing to source energy from the national grid. CAP funds were used to design and install an autonomous energy production system that uses solar and wind power. In addition, the farm owners launched a site-visit programme, where they welcome visitors to the farm and share their knowledge and experience with others who are interested in renewable energy solutions.
Results
The off-grid renewable energy system has been operational since 2020 and has enabled the farm to cover all its energy needs from the solar and wind power it produces on site.
Promoter
Miila Mahe Aed OÜ
Funding
Total budget - 25 000 (EUR)
EAFRD - 15 000 (EUR)
Private - 10 000 (EUR)
Resources
Documents
An energy autonomous organic farm in Estonia
(PDF – 1.66 MB)
Context
Miila Mahe Aed OÜ is a small fruit-producing organic farm in the Lääne-Viru County of northern Estonia. The farm was established in 2015 and since then the owners have been investing in renewable energy. With the ambition of one day becoming independent from the national grid, they designed their own renewable energy system.
Objectives
The aim of this renewable energy investment project was to explore the possibility of successfully running an off-grid farm.
Activities
The farm applied for CAP support to implement this project, and the funding they received has enabled them to design and install a 24V DC autonomous energy production system using solar and wind power. The system was installed at the farm, and successfully supplies all the required energy for its equipment and day-to-day work. The farm hosts study visits for people who are interested in renewable energy and self-sufficiency, where they can get advice on how to implement similar projects themselves.
Main results
The off-grid renewable energy system has been operational since 2020 and has enabled the farm to cover all its energy needs from the solar and wind power it produces on site.
Key lessons
The project holders found it challenging to identify dependable sellers of micro-windmills in Europe.
Given the technical nature of this kind of investment, a fair amount of technical expertise, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills are necessary.