Farmers can now produce more of their own energy than ever – but will they?
Self-reliance is important for many Australian farmers. But could farms ever become self-reliant in energy?
Farmers may soon generate more of their own energy, but the question remains whether they will embrace this opportunity. Rising costs of diesel and fertilizers have pushed many to consider alternatives, such as installing solar panels on their sheds or unused fields. In August, the Australian federal government announced a significant increase in the small-scale solar subsidy, allowing farms to install one megawatt-sized systems instead of the previous limit of 100 kilowatts.
This change could reduce installation costs by around 20%, saving up to A$68,000 on a 250-kilowatt system.
However, fully self-sufficient farms are still a challenge, as electric tractors and heavy machinery are not yet widely available. Additionally, anti-renewable sentiment in certain communities may pose obstacles. Nevertheless, shifting towards solar power and electric water pumps could be a first step towards boosting energy self-reliance. Integration of solar power with energy storage systems like batteries can provide continuous electricity, even during cloudy periods.
Farms in Australia currently rely heavily on diesel, which accounts for 84% of the energy used on Australian farms. Diesel powers tractors, harvesters, water pumps, and generators. Farms can gradually replace their diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, using solar power to run their operations. AgriFutures Australia has outlined a roadmap for farms to transition from diesel to electric options.
Some Australian farms are already off-grid, such as the New South Wales almond operation Cadell Orchards, which used to rely on diesel generators for its irrigation pumps. The orchard installed a solar-powered microgrid, comprising over 8,000 solar panels and a battery, aiming to produce over 85% of its own power. They opted for a third-party-owned and maintained system to offset upfront costs.
Another innovative approach is "agrivoltaics," where farmers combine solar panels with farming activities, providing shade and moisture retention for crops.
While small electric tractors are becoming available, large battery-powered tractors and harvesters are not yet practical due to the higher energy density of diesel compared to batteries. Charging infrastructure for electric machines near fields may also be a logistical challenge, as farmers often work long hours to complete crop harvesting.
Electric equipment is likely to be electrified first, with liquid fuels remaining relevant for the foreseeable future. However, solar paired with batteries can ensure a farm remains powered during nighttime or cloudy periods.
Ultimately, the shift towards clean energy will occur gradually, with some farmers finding success in generating their own electricity. Transitioning to biodiesel, made from oils or waste fats, could be an interim solution for some, helping existing machinery continue to operate. For farms to maximize the benefits of clean energy, they will need to carefully consider various factors and challenges, including the availability of charging infrastructure and potential restrictions on power network rules.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
