1st Workshop
The first Belgian national workshop, focused on appropriate renewable energy sources (RES) technology selection in relation to livestock farming has taken place, was delivered to livestock farmers in two info session moments organized in collaboration with INTERWAAS. The sessions took place on 25 January and 1 February 2023 in the city hall of Beveren and Sint-Niklaas, respectively. The RES4LIVE project was introduced to the local livestock farmers in Belgium, 40 participants in total.
The workshop lasted one hour and consisted of three parts:
- Introduction on RES4LIVE and available renewable energy sources in livestock farms (15 min)
State of the art on RES technologies with a special focus on the integration of photovoltaic thermal panel and modular heat pump – the installation in the Belgian pilot farm – were presented. Individual and group discussions were held among the participants on the challenges and opportunities of selecting appropriate RES technologies with respect to livestock farming.
- Example case: simulation results of economic and ecologic impacts of various scenarios applied to the Varkenscampus (15 min)
The interactive digital tool – developed by EV-ILVO and UGent – for informed RES technology selection was brought to the participants attention for tryout and feedback. With this tool the participants had a chance to select various RES technology combinations appropriate for their farm. Then, the tool interactively provided them an insight on the investment cost and the environmental impact of the selected RES technology or technologies. Moreover, during the workshops, a running online survey for studying the energy consumption pattern and RES penetration at different livestock farms was promoted.
- Workshop: hurdles, needs, and opportunities for renewable energy in livestock farming (30 mins)
A mentimeter was used to gain insights on the participants opinions. Even though the workshop was held in different cities, they belong to the same region so the results are put together.
First, we asked whether the farmers agreed or not with these statements.
- The energy transition is necessary in livestock
- It is financially beneficial to create my own energy
- The installation of RES is too expensive
- Fossil fuels are more reliable
- The total energy use should first be reduced
- I want renewable energy sources in my barn
Second, we asked if the participants were interested in the interactive selection tool designed by UGent and ILVO for WP2. 54 % responded “yes”, 43 % “maybe” and one person responded “no”, showing that such selection tool (then still in its early stages) would benefit farmers.
Third, we asked for their current energy sources (a), which renewable energy sources they have (b) and which options they are still considering (c).
Fourth, we asked the participants to sum benefits or disadvantages to renewable energy compared to fossil fuels. Some advantages include improved imago, cost reduction in the long run, beneficial for the climate and independency from energy providers. Disadvantages were high initial cost, not always available, long permit time, disagreement between power production and demand and higher maintenances.
Final, we asked what measures they already take to reduce their energy use.
The agenda and further information on the event are available here.
2nd Workshop
On the 11th of June 2024, during the first day of the European Sustainable Energy Week in Brussels, ILVO hosted its second national workshop, engaging conference participants, including stakeholders, policymakers, and energy experts. We had the honour of sharing a booth with EUREC and launched a survey for attendees to gather valuable insights.
There were 4 participants who filled in the survey: a dairy farmer, an agricultural consultant, an academic researcher and someone from the regional government.
First, we asked what the most effective energy-reducing practices in livestock could be and the potential barriers a farmer would encounter.
High initial costs
Lack of information/knowledge
Limited access to technology
Uncertainty about benefits
Second, we asked which sources (the participants think) livestock farmers mainly use.
Final, whether they agree or not with the following statements.
3rd Workshop
On the 18th of June 2024, the 3rd and final Belgian workshop “Cool Energy” took place at ILVO in collaboration with the Agritechdag 2024. About 130 people registered, including researchers, policy makers, financers, contractors, and farmers.
The workshop lasted 45 minutes. First, the results from the market study (D2.1) about available energy-efficient and renewable energy source technologies was provided (20 min). The participants were informed on how to heat and cool livestock farms in a sustainable and/or renewable way. Second, the simulation work (D2.2) and the RES4LIVE case studies were explained (10 min).
Third, the results and performances of the RES4LIVE installation at the Varkenscampus were explained in more detail (5 min).
During the final 5 minutes, we asked about the participants’ opinions on the same statements as our first national workshop.
Participants also recited some positives and negatives, with the main disadvantages being high investment costs, difficulties to obtain permits, and insufficient knowledge on the technologies. The ability to connect to the electricity grid was also mentioned, as some farms lie in remote areas where the grid isn’t maintained well and unable to handle new PV or wind turbine installations. The main advantage was found to be cost beneficial after overcoming the initial investment cost.
The program and further information on the event are available here.
