Making Your Farm/Ranch More Energy Efficient: Ideas & Incentives Milton Geiger

Transcription

1 Making Your Farm/Ranch More Energy Efficient: Ideas & Incentives Milton Geiger Wyoming RC&D Association Energy Conference April 28, 2011

2 Outline Why efficiency? Understanding your energy use Where, when, and how much? Getting the job done Information and incentives

3 Why Efficiency? The cheapest electron is the one you never use - A wise, probably wealthy farmer

4 Why Efficiency? Cost and Uncertainty Cost & uncertainty Ag is a price taker, but input costs can be controlled, enhancing profitability. Volatile policy future Regulate greenhouse gas emissions Cap-and-trade or EPA regulation Global energy markets Electricity, gas, and oil

5 Energy Efficiency vs. Energy Conservation

6 Understanding your energy use Diverse ag operations = diverse energy use Ranches and farms are much different Think facilities, equipment, & process

7 Understanding your energy use - Four Principles Mechanical improvements Less energy to deliver the same amount of water Management changes Change your behavior or irrigation practices Reduce cost per unit of energy Switch fuels or negotiate a better rate with utility Generate your own energy Renewable energy

8 Facilities Home and barn Source: EPA Energy Star

9 Equipment Source: EIA Annual Energy Outlook

10 Equipment Transportation Proper maintenance Nebraska Tractor Tests, etc. Pumps and motors Irrigation, water pumping, etc.

11 Irrigators are special User and potential producer of energy Use purchased energy in the production process Use energy to run pumps, motors, etc. Electricity, propane (ugh!), or diesel (double ugh!) Use renewable energy (solar energy) in the production process Solar energy (evaporation + condensation + gravity) Gravity fed systems (yeah!)

12 Special Opportunities Energy efficiency Reduce water use (conservation) Improve system efficiency Pumps, motors, nozzles, system design, etc. Switch fuels Electricity is more efficient than diesel or propane Micro/small hydroelectric Excess or unused pressure can generate electricity or mechanical energy Many sizes and design <1kW to >1 MW

13 Process 13

14 Process Think holistically about operation How are products raised, sold, transported, etc. What areas are most energy intensive? Do they have an adequate return?

15 What about renewables? Generate electricity Small wind, solar electric (PV), and micro-hydroelectric Generate thermal energy Biomass, geothermal heat pumps, solar thermal Generally more expensive than energy efficiency improvements, but Incentives can help and thermal systems can be especially cost effective!

16 Getting the job done Energy assessments and audits Self Assessment Online tools and written guides Contact UW Extension or visit NRCS Energy Assessment Tools Professional energy audit Formal documentation based upon historical use and site assessment Contact your local utility UW Cooperative Extension Service Just received USDA funding to complete 137 energy audits

17 Getting the job done UW Extension Energy Audits Providing heavily subsidized energy audits and renewable energy development assistance Receive $1000 audit for $250! Audits completed by engineers from Manufacturing Works and economic analysis completed by UW CES Prepare recipient to seek financing or grant funding Contact me to get on the list!

18 Getting the job done Incentives USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 25% grants for EE and/or RE systems $6000 minimum project size for EE Requires energy audit prior to application In neighboring states, many grants received to convert diesel center pivots to electricity!

19 Getting the job done Incentives Contact your utility Many REAs and Rocky Mountain Power offer incentives for improvements Example: RMP will provide substantial funds for irrigation system improvements

20 Contact Information Contact Milton Geiger (307)