Expertise

Clean energy consulting

Clean energy consulting for a greener future

Clean energy consulting

Clean energy consulting

Energy consumption is crucial for food production. Currently, agrifood systems use roughly 30% of all global electricity, with the amount of power used in agriculture steadily rising. Around the world, farms are directly using energy for land preparation, irrigation, harvesting, storage, and transport.

According to the FAO, more than 70% of all power used in food production is achieved by burning fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas. This process releases a substantial amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, driving climate change and causing irreparable damage to ecosystems.

To achieve long-term sustainability, the agrifood industry must become more energy efficient and transition from an overdependency on fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives, in accordance with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The challenge for both agribusinesses and governments is identifying strategies to transition from fossil fuel dependency to cleaner energy sources without impacting production.

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How clean energy consulting enhances farming and agribusiness

The transition toward clean energy need not be at odds with the commercial goals of the agrifood industry and agribusinesses. While popular examples such as wind, solar, organic, or geothermal energy may hold inherent installation costs, these investments offer several business benefits in additional to environmental ones, including:

Offsetting energy bills:

By investing in clean energy alternatives such as solar panels or wind turbines, farmers can satisfy their own operational energy requirements and significantly offset their energy bills.
Clean energy initiatives provide a unique opportunity for farms to diversify their income sources. Beyond producing food, farms can become energy producers, earning money by selling excess electricity to the national grid. This additional income can stabilise farm finances and enhance overall economic resilience.

Improving energy security:

Clean energy sources insulate agribusinesses from the volatility of fossil fuel-based energy markets. By becoming self-sufficient, farmers can operate with peace of mind knowing that their energy needs are secure, and they are not vulnerable to external shocks or sudden price fluctuations in the energy market.
Clean energy adoption aligns with environmental standards, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing product marketability. This improves brand image and appeals to eco-conscious consumers, fostering economic resilience for farms and agribusinesses.

Embracing renewable energy

Upgrade and transition to clean and renewable energy sources with the support of our clean energy consulting services.

Our expertise

At Farrelly Mitchell, we provide a comprehensive range of clean energy consulting and asset management services. Our team of renewable energy experts is dedicated to maximising the long-term performance and profitability of renewable energy assets. We specialise in providing detailed analyses of both the technical and financial aspects involved in transitioning to clean energy, and ensure your renewable energy assets are fully compliant with regulatory and contractual obligations.

Our clean energy consulting services include optimising maintenance strategies and advising on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to enhance revenue generation. Our expertise spans a diverse range of renewable energy sources including wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass energy.

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Frequently asked questions

Explore our FAQ for answers to common agribusiness queries. Can’t find your question? Contact our expert team for tailored assistance.

What are the environmental benefits of transitioning to clean energy in agriculture?

Switching to clean energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. This helps mitigate climate change and conserves natural resources, aligning with global sustainability goals.

How can clean energy solutions reduce operational costs for farmers and agribusinesses?

Clean energy solutions can lower or eliminate energy bills for farmers and agribusinesses. Investment in renewable energy like solar or wind power can lead to savings and provide additional income through selling surplus electricity.

What are the most viable clean energy options for agribusinesses?

The suitability of clean energy options varies: solar energy is widely applicable, wind energy suits areas with consistent winds, and geothermal energy is location-specific. The best approach often involves a combination of different renewable sources.

How should agribusinesses manage clean energy assets?

Clean energy asset management involves maintaining and optimising renewable energy installations, such as solar panels or wind turbines, on farms. Management requires regular maintenance, staying updated on technology advancements, and conducting energy efficiency audits. This approach ensures optimal performance, compliance with regulations, and maximizes the return on their clean energy investments.

What role do clean energy consultants play in helping farms transition to renewable energy?

Clean energy consultants assist farms by assessing energy needs, recommending suitable renewable options, helping navigate financial and regulatory landscapes, and ensuring efficient and cost-effective implementation of clean energy solutions.

Featured publications

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A summary of the rise in energy prices and how that has had a global impact on food production. By . . .

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We ensure that your clean energy assets are compliant and perform at their peak for their entire lifecycle. We recognise that every farm and agribusiness is unique and we tailor our solutions to suit you. Contact our experts today to optimise your energy consumption or transition your farm or agribusiness to clean and renewable energy solutions.

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