Ireland’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2019 focuses on reducing emissions in agriculture. In 2017 it was reported that agriculture is the largest contributor to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), accounting for over 33% of the total national emissions.
The Agri sector particularly the beef sector is facing challenging times. With increasing number of regulations and directives, resource management and energy management will be key to maintaining or reducing farm operating costs. It is estimated that the average cost of electricity per litre of milk is €0.49, cost of electricity per head of pig is €5.40/year and €12.3/tonne to dry grain.
By sector, Agriculture & Fisheries accounted for 2.0% of the countries final energy demand in 2018. This represents a decrease of 1% on 2005 levels, but energy consumption did rise by 6.3% or 15ktoe on 2005 figures. According to the governments Climate Action Plan (CAP) the target for agriculture is to get emissions back to a range of 17.5-19mt by 2030, which is a cut of 10-15% on the projected levels in 2030 relative to 2017. How can GHG emissions be reduced in farming?
How can GHG emissions be reduced in farming?
Methane belched by cattle and sheep
Nitrogen containing fertilisers
Animal faeces and urine deposited on pastures during grazing
Methane from slurry during storage and land spreading
Diesel for agricultural machinery
The Agri sector particularly the beef sector is facing challenging times. The target for the following ten years is to reduce emissions further and as our emissions are still rising, there is the need for more action. The government’s Climate Action Plan target for agriculture is to get emissions back to between 17.5 – 19 metric tonnes by 2030. This means a cut of 10-15% is necessary to reduce GHG emissions in farming.
Resource Management and Energy Management will be key to maintaining and reducing farm operating costs.
Ways to reduce emissions on the family farm
Reduce fossil fuel use e.g. diesel for agricultural machinery
Improve efficiency and reduce dependence on grid electricity
Install on site generation such as solar PV
Utilise the potential of bioenergy from both biomass and biogas
Slurry management and use of waste streams
Establish energy coops and become prosumers
- The 3 counties region of Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford has 417,726 hectares of arable land of which almost 75% is used for pasture and grass silage.
- GHG emissions are directly dependent on the national bovine herd. Bovine constitutes 57% of the 3-counties region livestock population, 25% ovine and 12% porcine (2017).
How can 3cea help?
3cea has extensive, award-winning experience and expertise in supporting applicants through the SEAI Communities Energy Grant pipeline.
Family farms will enjoy decreased energy spend, reduced running costs with recued carbon emissions for years to come.
3cea team can project manage the entire works for you – from initial application to final sign-off. Get in contact and including a short description of the project you have in mind.
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We’d love to hear from you if you any questions about the Agri sector.
