14 Sep Agricultural energy saving tips

Agriculture is one of the most energy-demanding industries in the world. It requires an energy input at all stages of production, in farm machinery, water management, irrigation and much more. Due to this, the cost of running a farm is significant, and with energy prices rising, many farmers are concerned that in a few years they won’t be able to turn a profit.

Reducing operating costs on a farm can be achieved in many ways, but it is with energy that some of the biggest savings are possible.

Below, we will look at some agricultural energy saving tips and opportunities.

Lighting systems

Fluorescent lamps and bulbs are 40 to 60 per cent less efficient than the LED equivalent, meaning they use much more energy. Farms can use more than 200 light bulbs, so it makes sense to review your current lighting systems and upgrade them if needs be. Swapping out your bulbs could save you hundreds of pounds annually. External and internal lighting systems can be upgraded to improve their efficiency. LED bulbs also have the benefit of a much longer lifespan than fluorescent bulbs.

Electrical pumps

Electrical pumps that are powered by an electric motor are usually energy efficient, however older pumps can be inefficient because they may be oversized for the job, meaning they use more energy than is required to get the job done. The solution to this issue is to replace the pump and electric motor. The cost in doing so is minimal; on average, it is just 10 per cent of the lifetime cost of running the motor. You can also replace older pumps that run on diesel with electrical pumps, because they are cheaper to run.

Electrical heating

If you have a farm shop, or some of your barns are heated for comfort, electrical heating systems such as electric radiators are a tried, tested and proven way to reduce energy costs without sacrificing functionality. These systems simply require a regular mains socket to run from, and provide a direct heat source that’s adjustable. This is a much cheaper solution than underfloor heating, and it will save you hundreds of pounds on central heating if you use electric radiators in your farm house. They work great and cost very little to begin with.