On-farm power generation – options for vegetable growers
Technologies studied were well established and in use. They included: Devices which generate electrical power only: • solar photovoltaics (PV) • wind power • natural gas generation • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) power • woody biomass power generation • micro‐hydro power generation Proven solar alternatives: • concentrating solar thermal • concentrating solar PV Storage technologies that support intermittent power generation options: • lead‐acid batteries • micro‐hydro as pumped energy storage • chilled water/ice storage Key factors for growers looking to adopt on farm power generation include: • The cost of electricity from the grid • Financial performance of power generation technologies relative to network supplied electricity • Economic incentives, such as subsidies and feed‐in tariffs • Availability, quality and affordability of energy resources or fuel • Ease of obtaining approvals and meeting regulatory requirements for power generation • Desire to make farming operations more sustainable, which can also have marketing benefits • Diversification of energy sources and potentially income as a risk management measure