Fraunhofer ISE has estimated 134 GW to 268 GW of technical photovoltaic potential on Germany's degraded, drained peatlands. The assessment identifies about 334,500 hectares that may be suitable when conservation exclusions and land-use restrictions are applied.
Solar and land restoration together
Peatland PV combines electricity generation with rewetting of previously drained soil. Germany has supported qualifying systems under its renewable-energy framework since 2023, while the new guidance covers planning, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
The opportunity is significant, but procurement must account for geotechnical conditions, elevated or specialized mounting, water management, corrosion protection, access for maintenance and ecological monitoring. For developers, this is another example of project value being measured not only in energy yield but also in land compatibility and emissions reduction.