Fossil fuel use in the agricultural domain has negative effects becoming a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with significant contributions to global climate change and the risk of food security. One of the most energy-consuming sub-sectors of agriculture is intensive livestock that is mainly based on fossil fuels use. However, more sustainable livestock production and de-fossilising energy needs in husbandry facilities emerge as crucial aspects within EU.
With declining costs and improvement of reliability and performance of key renewable energy sources (RES) technologies (e.g. PVs, heat pumps, biogas), the opportunities for farmers and specifically for livestock producers to engage in RES production are increasing, and new business models are emerging on the market.
The above, create specific challenges for the individual farmer including the need for sound advice, investment support and risk management. The adaptation of RES technologies and machinery and their demonstration at a large-scale on farm level require supporting measures with respect to spatial planning, infrastructure, different business models and market organisation, trends that are not all under control from a farmers’ perspective. RES4LIVE project will fill these gaps ensuring a wider adoption of RES and energy efficiency technologies, machinery and techniques in livestock farms towards a zero-fossil fuel consumption. The project activities at a glance are highlighted in the figure below.
