Energy management Ag demand response: creating a clean energy future By Arian Aghajanzadeh New revenue while


As energy costs increase, growers are motivated to explore new irrigation water and energy management practices or tap into other revenue streams.


28 Irrigation TODAY | October 2018


W


hile water for agriculture has historically been cheap, increasing energy prices and stricter regulations (e.g., Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in California) may become a substantial problem


for growers. Costs for energy and water are small compared to equipment and personnel and, thus, are often overlooked.


However, energy costs for irrigation are increasing and could be exacerbated with declining water levels in many Western states. This trend has motivated many growers to explore irrigation water and energy management practices or previously untapped revenue streams by taking advantage of existing utility incentive programs.


According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farms are transitioning from net consumers of electricity to net generators.


(Above) On-farm solar installation Photo credit: http://m.megawatt.com.cn/


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48