Renewable energy (RE), such as solar and/or wind energy, could offer multiple benefits to farms.
From an economic perspective, RE can reduce cost of operation on farms. For example, a simple 10-15 kW capacity solar photovoltaic (PV) system (consisting of solar panels, an inverter and a battery component or the grid line system) with an expected lifespan of 25 years can recoup its investment in12-13 years and generate electricity for rest of the term almost free of cost. It means the system, on a long-term basis, will help reduce the cost of production on the farm and allow farms not to fully relying on grid electricity.
Secondly, RE can be an income generating system by taking advantage of SaskPower’s Small Power Producers Program which allows customers (suppliers, in this case) generate up to 100 kW of electricity on-site for their own use and/or sell it to SaskPower. The Net Metering Program, a second program, allows residents, farms and businesses deliver their excess electricity to the electricity grid (SaskPower) in exchange for credit.
Thirdly, adoption of RE tools and technologies is a beneficial management practice on farm which will help reduce GHG emissions, reduce environmental footprint, help improve public perception and address social license issues. The Government of Saskatchewan plans to reduce GHG emissions by increasing RE generation capacity from 25% to 50% (see references below). RE also aligns with the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). A priority area in the partnership focuses on building sector capacity to mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment and adapt to climate change by enhancing sustainable growth, while increasing production.
Producers might consider RE tools and technologies as a strategic component in their farm’s business plan and secure long-term energy supply systems which will offer multiple benefits to the farm. Recently, a number of large farms in Saskatchewan have been installing larger capacity solar PV systems on their farms to harvest the solar energy into electricity.
Adoption of any new technology faces multiple challenges and RE systems are not an exception.
Recent enthusiasm and efforts in adopting RE systems in Saskatchewan remind us of
the adoption and success of 1980s’ minimum- tillage as a beneficial management practice that fundamentally changed the production agriculture landscape in Saskatchewan contributing to it becoming a key player in global food security.
References:
1. Climate Change. Government of Saskatchewan https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/ environmental-protection-and-sustainability/climate- change-policy
2.SaskPower to develop wind, solar and geothermal power to meet up to 50% renewable target 2015. http://www.saskpower.com/about-us/media- information/saskpower-targets-up-to-50-renewable- power-by-2030/
For more information, contact Shankar Das at 306- 867-3737 or the Agriculture Knowledge Center of the Ministry of Agriculture at 1-866-457-2377.
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