Agriculture plays a crucial role in implementing the energy transition. In addition to producing food, agricultural businesses can also make a significant contribution to the generation and use of renewable energies. Below, we provide an overview of the challenges and measures that can help to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies in agriculture. Find out more about financial support options and advisory services to make your agricultural businesses sustainable and future-oriented.
Photovoltaics in agriculture
For medium-sized installations on roof surfaces with a capacity of up to 100 kWp, it is sufficient to work with a competent electrician – even if a transformer station may have to be installed.
For bigger installations, it is possible to enter into a partnership with a company from the energy sector. In addition to financing, it may also be necessary to clarify issues relating to the reinforcement of the electricity grid or to licences.
For your planning, you will find a list of competent companies from the energy sector here.
Reinforcement of the electricity grid
If a higher power output is required from the electricity connection, the following steps are recommended:
- Determine the exact connection power that is required.
- Contact the electricity network operator. For small increases in power, this can usually be done via the network operator's online portal. For larger increases in power, you should contact the network development department of your electricity network operator. This department will check whether the existing connection allows an increase in the connection power without further ado. If this is not possible, solutions will be discussed together, depending on the power required.
- Depending on the extent of the extension work, an electrician or a planning office should be consulted during the approval and implementation phase.
- The financing is generally provided by the applicant. However, in some cases, costs can be shared, especially if the extension work is carried out on the public electricity supply. This is the case, for example, if other infrastructure work is already planned by the electricity network operator or the municipality.
- Financial support can be considered by the Ministry of Agriculture if the increase in power is linked to the expansion of the agricultural business, for example due to an increase in milking technology or cooling units. If the power of the electricity connection is increased by photovoltaics, the costs can be taken into account as part of an "appel à projet" for the installation of a photovoltaic system.
H2 Biogas: An important component for the energy transition
Biogas is an important component of renewable energies in Luxembourg and makes a significant contribution to the energy transition. By using organic waste to generate energy, it helps to reduce CO₂ emissions and promotes a sustainable future.
This guide is intended to support the planning and construction of new biogas plants as well as the modernisation of existing ones. It offers a clear and structured approach to implementing projects quickly and efficiently. It also lists relevant points of contact that can be helpful in realising them.
For an accessible version of the guide, please contact entreprise@klima-agence.lu
Implementing energy-saving measures in agriculture
Agriculture offers numerous opportunities to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. By implementing targeted savings measures, agricultural businesses can not only reduce their energy costs, but also make an important contribution to environmental protection. Here are a few examples:
Keeping an eye on water consumption in agriculture
Water consumption is mainly associated with animal husbandry. It is important to ask the right questions in advance. Is it cattle, pig or poultry farming? Is it dairy cows or cattle farming? How many animals are there?
It is important to determine the water consumption precisely in order to identify potential savings. You can find a guide to calculating water consumption for animals in German language here.
Keep an eye on fuel consumption in agriculture
Fuel consumption in agriculture can be significantly reduced by various measures:
- For heavy machinery such as tractors, harvesters, etc., the following principle applies: the newer the machine, the lower the fuel consumption. It is therefore worth paying attention to the fuel consumption of the vehicle when buying.
- Automatically adjustable tyre pressure can also reduce consumption. This technology is often standard in new machines from market-leading manufacturers and can also be retrofitted.
- Using the right machines for the right tasks is crucial. Trips with a light load should also be carried out with the appropriate tractor to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.
- For work such as using feed mixers or yard tractors, which require less energy and are constantly used on the farm, electric solutions can be a sensible alternative.
Alternatives to conventional heating for an agricultural business
Agricultural businesses often operate on the principle of the availability of raw materials. This is also a good approach to saving costs when it comes to heating. Here are some possible alternatives to conventional heating systems:
- If wood or wood chips are available locally in sufficient quantities, wood-fired heating systems can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
- If a biogas plant is located on the farm, the waste heat from biogas production should be utilised. This waste heat can be used to heat buildings or water, which increases the energy efficiency of the farm.
- Waste heat is generated by milking technology and can be recovered using heat exchangers. The hot water recovered in this way can either be used directly or brought to the required temperature using a heat pump.
- The use of a heat pump can be particularly useful in combination with a photovoltaic system. The electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic system can be converted into thermal energy by the heat pump.
Advice on energy efficiency and renewable energies in agriculture
Comprehensive advice can help to improve energy efficiency and to utilise the potential for renewable energies on a farm.
In addition to a free basic advice from Klima-Agence (online, by telephone or on site) on the topics of photovoltaics, heating, insulation and electromobility, you also have the opportunity to consult a Klima-Agence certified advisor who provides energy and sustainability advice for residential buildings.
Machine manufacturers are also competent points of contact for questions relating to energy efficiency. They have many years of experience and are familiar with the latest trends and developments in the industry.
Make an appointment with your Klima-Agence advisor!
Subsidies from energy suppliers in agriculture
Since 2015, private energy suppliers have been obliged to support consumers in implementing energy-saving measures as part of the "Mécanisme d'obligations". For agricultural businesses, this means that they can benefit from various subsidies to increase their energy efficiency and implement sustainable technologies.
When planning and implementing energy-saving measures, such as replacing old light bulbs with new LED lights, replacing an oil-fired heating system with a new pellet-fuelled heating system or retrofitting frequency converters for pumps or fans, you should always contact your energy supplier first.
Make sure you apply for the subsidies before implementing the measures.