Is the development of a Net Zero Energy agricultural dairy farm possible in Ireland?

The purpose of this work is to determine the possibility of developing a Net Zero Energy (NZE) dairy farm in Ireland from a net energy consumption versus net renewable energy generation viewpoint. This paper provides a unique... [ view full abstract ]

The purpose of this work is to determine the possibility of developing a Net Zero Energy (NZE) dairy farm in Ireland from a net energy consumption versus net renewable energy generation viewpoint. This paper provides a unique viewpoint for an Irish dairy farm setting and promotes the use of renewable technologies within the agricultural industry. This analysis of NZE was assessed through a life cycle energy assessment methodology for one calendar year. From the analysis of the dairy farm, it was found that the net energy intensity was 0.62 MJ/L milk. The largest energy consumer was from the synthetic fertiliser used within the dairy farm accounting for approximately 63% of gross energy use and likewise accumulates the largest emissions of 99.7 tCO2 for the year. Indirect energy consumption within the dairy farm was found to outweigh direct energy usage at a ratio of 8:1. A scenario basis was adopted to quantify the possibility of NZE dairy farm through analysing four different types of renewable technologies (solar, wind, biogas and biomass). It was established that the development of NZE dairy farm is possible from the study farm analysed. The implementation of the optimal renewable technology for the study dairy farm (AD through using cattle slurry and 10% of the dairy farm land area with maize silage) achieved a reduction in net energy of -1,611 GJ for the dairy farm. This indicates that this study dairy farm could become a net energy production facility rather than a net energy consuming facility, and more importantly become the first classified NZE dairy farm in Ireland. Through the implementation of the renewable technologies within the dairy farm, approximately 223.2 tCO2/annum could be saved.