Energy-smart innovation and renewable energy systems on farms: an overview

Publication date: 16/05/2022
Extent: 36 pages

Contributions by: Ralph E. H. Sims, Massey University, New Zealand

Chapter synopsis: To save costs, increase productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy-smart farming is gaining momentum. Direct energy inputs essential for all food production systems, both on farms as well as along the food supply chain, have conventionally been supplied by oil, coal and natural gas. Many examples exist of displacing these fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. However, project installations on-farms are not yet mainstream. Therefore the aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the various low-carbon on-farm technologies and their potential, as well as to outline any barriers to deployment. A brief overview of energy efficiency on farms (see Part 1 of this book for more details) outlines the benefits from reducing energy demand prior to renewable energy project uptake. As an introduction to Part 2, this chapter confirms that overall there is good potential for developing renewable energy systems to meet demands for heat, electricity and transport fuels at the farm scale. Case studies of several innovative demonstrations are presented that can be easily replicated on many other farms.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0100.23