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A report from the AgTech Centre

Energy requirements determine feasibility of alternative energy systems

The costs of setting up alternative energy systems often deter producers, but for farmers and ranchers those alternatives have the potential to save energy dollars in the long-term, says an Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD) specialist.

Solar and wind power are relatively new kids on the block, says Katrina Lakenman, an engineer-in-training at the AAFRD AgTech Centre in Lethbridge. "But as more stress is placed on our current energy system, and as people become more comfortable with the idea of alternative energy sources, both solar and wind power could become increasingly popular."

However, alternative energy is not automatically the best choice for every farmer. "The key," says Lakenman, "is to know what your consumption is on your farm." Producers should first evaluate their own operations in terms of energy needs, use and costs, before deciding to make a switch to a non-traditional energy source.

After a full evaluation of their energy-use patterns and the associated costs, the next step is to look for ways to decrease their overall energy consumption. When the producer is satisfied that consumption has been reduced to the point where there is no wasted energy on the farm, and if cost is still an issue, a producer is now in a position to seriously consider an alternative energy source, says Lakenman.

"The reason we advise looking for ways to reduce energy use before looking at alternative energy is simple - it's easier to save a watt then it is to produce a watt," she adds.

Ongoing research by Lakenman and others is examining a variety of alternative energy options - primarily wind, solar, anaerobic digestion, biodiesel, ethanol, bioenergy and geothermal. Researchers will assess the viability of the energy options, identify distributors of the equipment needed, and estimate associated costs.

Wind and solar power, perhaps two of the most attractive and viable options for Alberta producers, have high capital costs.

"A lot of people are interested in what wind power could do for their operation," says Lakenman. "But when they find out the cost to set up a wind power system, they change their minds. The capital cost of a small scale system can be up to $3,000 per kilowatt. Unless they're guaranteed a reasonable payback, this is not an attractive option."

A solar energy system to power a whole farm, by comparison, would cost up to $12,000 per kilowatt to set up. This makes solar systems considerably more expensive than even wind power. Using solar only for low voltage high efficiency lighting or solar panels directly as a heat sources can bring this cost down considerably. Because of these extremely high start-up costs, producers are first encouraged to examine their energy needs and usage.

"If you know your energy consumption, for example, you can go to a wind turbine distributor," says Lakenman. "With information on how many kilowatt hours in a year are being used and how production fluctuates throughout the year, the distributor can help the producer select a system for a given wind regime that best suits the farm's needs."

Producers also have to be cautious about the challenge associated with connecting to the power grid system while using an alternative energy source. But that grid connection is necessary backup for days without wind or sun, or when the backup battery pack is depleted.

AAFRD's Technical Services Division has a mandate to support all aspects of agricultural sustainability.

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