This workshop brought together a selection of H2020 EU-funded projects to offer an overview of different tools used for the optimization of local energy networks and demonstrate how to facilitate grid interaction from the perspective of technology leaders representing four H2020 projects. This session offered a unique opportunity to discuss different approaches and compare the frameworks, practices, and tools used by different energy communities.

Agrivoltaics (AV) represents a synergistic land-use strategy that combines solar energygeneration with high-value fruit production. As climate change intensifies heatwaves,droughts, and sunburn-related crop damage, AV offers a promising solution for improving the resilience and sustainability of perennial orchards. This review synthesizes datafrom experimental field trials, modeling studies, and analog shading systems, focusingon apples, pears, cherries, berries, kiwifruit, and olives. Studies were selected based onmethodological clarity and relevance to temperate and Mediterranean climates. Parameters such as panel geometry (height, tilt, ground coverage ratio), light transmittance,and microclimatic effects were compared across species. Findings indicate that properlydesigned AV systems can reduce fruit surface temperatures by up to 3.3 °C and decreasesunburn incidence by over 90%, especially in apples and pears. Berry crops displayedspecies-specific light tolerance, with strawberries and blueberries performing well undermoderate shading. In kiwifruit and olives, partial coverage (<30%) maintained yield while improving water efficiency. Integrating lightweight AV modules into existing orchardstructures proved technically feasible for cherries. Despite promising agronomic andenergy outcomes, large-scale adoption of AV remains constrained by policy, legal, andfinancial barriers. Strategic support is needed to align AV deployment with climate andenergy goals. In conclusion, AV offers a multifunctional approach to land use that enhances farm resilience, enables dual revenue streams, and supports EU decarbonizationstrategies particularly in permanent fruit cropping systems.