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Alternative energy for farmers looks promising for future

New energy sources – such as wind power, solar power and biodiesel – are emerging as major future energy alternatives for farmers, say engineers at the AgTech Centre in Lethbridge.

“Volatile energy costs, international agreements to limit greenhouse gas emissions and the push to keep agriculture sustainable, are all encouraging farmers to seek alternative energy sources,” says Rick Atkins, AgTech Centre Manager and Branch Head of Engineering for Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD).

“Certainly there is no silver bullet out there that can eliminate fossil fuels, yet many producers are recognizing the benefits of shifting to ‘non-traditional’ sources of energy for at least some of their operations’ energy needs,” says Atkins.

The benefits can include lower and more stable costs, less impact on the environment and greater energy efficiency, he says. “Whether it’s to heat a hog barn or light a shop, the key is to look for alternatives that are practical, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.”

To help producers assess energy alternatives, several AAFRD engineers recently completed a series of information releases that examine the viability of top alternatives.

High on the list of viable alternatives is wind power, says Atkins. Wind power is harnessed by wind turbine systems that convert kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical energy or electricity.

“Modern aerodynamics and engineering have improved wind turbines to the point where they can provide reliable, cost-effective, pollution-free energy for individuals and communities,” he says. “But the cost-effectiveness and reliability of wind power depends on location, so it’s a much better option for some producers than others.”

Solar power is another promising alternative, says Atkins. The sun provides an unlimited supply of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Solar energy can be used in a number of ways, including the solar heating of buildings, solar water heating and photovoltaic systems that generate electricity.

“Using solar power effectively depends on weather conditions, location, the technology used and its application,” he says. Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy system that can stand alone without connection to a power or natural gas grid.

The initial costs of adopting solar energy are higher than they are for common heating and power systems, says Atkins. But the ongoing costs can be substantially less.

Biodiesel is another option sparking interest from producers, he says. This innovative fuel is derived from plant or animal oil.

“Biodiesel works with all diesel engines,” says Atkins. “It can be blended at any rate with regular diesel, and its engine performance is approximately the same. The big benefit of this fuel is cleaner air – with biodiesel, carbon dioxide emissions and total particulate matter levels are reduced.”

Setting up a small-scale production unit for biodiesel can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, he says. But the cost-effectiveness of using this fuel can vary depending on the source of the oil.

Other energy alternatives examined by the engineers include biogas and earth energy. Biogas is a fuel produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic material such as manure. Earth energy is a source derived from using the natural temperature of earth or groundwater to heat or cool air and water for buildings.

Overall, taking advantage of non-polluting, renewable energy sources will be an important part of ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture, says Atkins. “At the AgTech Centre, one of our goals is to help find new ways to make agriculture more efficient and clean in its energy use. With continued research and development in this area, the benefits of new energy sources will become more viable.”

To receive AgTech Centre information releases on energy alternatives, or to get the November 2001 edition of the AgTech Innovator newsletter, which also examines this topic, contact the AgTech Centre. Phone: (403) 329-1212. Fax: (403) 328-5562.

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