Wind energy has the potential to supply electricity across the world. Unlike other sources of electricity that require fuel in processing plants, wind energy generates electricity through wind, which is free from emissions.

wind energy

Overview

Turbines can be used to generate electricity from wind. By harnessing wind energy, farmers can often cover all their energy and create a surplus that can be injected into the grid. 

Why should farmers consider on-farm wind energy?

Wind energy has negligible adverse effects on the environment as wind turbines do not emit carbon or other air pollutants and do not require water for cooling.

The following video provides general facts about renewable energy in Ireland.

Renewable Energy in Ireland

What are the considerations for wind power development?

The following considerations should be taken into account for wind energy development on a farm.

  • The turbine must not be attached to a building
  • Only one turbine per site.
  • Total height must not exceed 20m and roto diameter must not exceed 8m
  • A 3m minimum clearance is required between the ground and the lowest point of the blades.
  • Noise levels must not exceed 43db(A) at the nearest inhabited dwelling.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The economic benefits and emission reduction of investing in a wind turbine for a typical 93-cow herd are summarised in the Table below.

Economic and environmental impact of investing in a 6 Kw power wind turbine

6kwh off-grid with battery business case
with ACA
Cost (€)42000
1Less Accelerated Capital Allowance  (ACA)
16800
16800
Net  Investment cost
25200
Annual energy consumption (kWh)24148
2Annual electricity output (kWh)
14000
Payback (years)7.4
Environmental impact 
Emissions reduction ( tonnes of CO2  per year) 2
1 ACA  allows for acceleration to 100% of capital expenditure during the first year of the purchase of wind turbine
2 Output varies widely across locations
Figures adapted from the energy optimization tool (https://messo.shinyapps.io/AEOP_/ )
A flat rate price of 35c /kWh of electricity is used. For grid connection, an export rate of 17c/kWh is used
 

Research

Research at Farm Zero C

At FZC, a holistic approach to farm energy is being used which includes the use of renewable energy and efficient use of energy on the farm. The farm uses a 15kW power wind turbine combined with a 15kW PV system. The objective is for the farm to have all energy coming from renewable sources.

Other Research

Key findings  from previous research on wind energy include:

  •  To help farmers decide on potential farm technologies for energy, a collaboration between Teagasc, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and the Cork Institute of Technology developed the National Agricultural Energy Optimisation Tool.
  • Wind generation has the potential to displace more expensive sources such as gas or coal-fired power stations or imports, reducing prices in the market (KPMG, 2021).
  • The deployment of wind generation in Ireland avoided 33 million tonnes of power sector CO2 emissions between 2000 and 2020 ( SEAI, 2021).

Links to More Research

Harnessing Renewable Energy for Sustainable Agricultural Applications

Energy in Ireland

Cost Benefit Analysis of Wind Energy

Economic Impact of onshore wind in Ireland

Regulations

The following regulations and actions apply to wind energy development and the role of renewable energy in climate-neutral agriculture.

AgClimatise roadmap– The use of wind energy contributes to action 18 of the roadmap to climate-neutral agriculture.

Action 18: Generate at least a 20% reduction in agricultural energy use by 2030 across all farms. In addition, generate at least 20% deployment of renewable energy technologies focusing primarily on energy-intensive farming systems.”

European Machinery Directive [2006/42/EC]

Climate Action Plan 2021

The White Paper: Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030

Draft Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework (2016)

Suppliers

Wind turbines that meet the European and international requirements are listed on the SEAI Triple E register.