First Green Energy Ltd’s Post

Navigating the Crossroads of Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Community Heritage In our journey towards sustainable development, engaging in multifaceted discussions has never been more crucial, especially amid the escalating challenges of climate change and rising operational costs. This discourse becomes particularly poignant in the UK's agricultural sector and within our cherished local communities. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a farmer, grappling with the harsh reality of increasing expenses for essentials like electricity and grain feed, contrasted with the relatively stagnant prices for their agricultural products. This situation highlights a broader issue of economic viability in traditional farming practices amidst changing environmental policies. Equally, I engaged with residents from a village in Oxfordshire, who expressed deep concerns over a proposed solar farm near their area. They fear the development may mar the natural beauty and traditional charm of their countryside, which they hold dear as a vital part of their community's identity and heritage. Both conversations reveal the complex balance between advancing renewable energy initiatives and preserving both our agricultural roots and natural landscapes. These are not isolated issues but shared challenges that call for shared solutions. This is not just about identifying problems but fostering collaborative, forward-thinking solutions that respect our environment, bolster our economy, and uphold our communities' values. I invite input from all corners: farmers navigating economic challenges, Oxfordshire residents advocating for their countryside, renewable energy experts, economists, and beyond. How can we develop integrated systems where agriculture, green energy, and community values complement each other, leading to a sustainable and equitable future for all? Let's unite to forge multifaceted solutions that honor our environmental commitments while respecting the needs and traditions of local communities. #oxfordshire #solarfarm #renewableenergy #farmers #economics

Transforming Agriculture and Energy: A Win-Win for Canadian Farmers and Businesses In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, I'm excited to share an idea that promises to revolutionize both the agricultural and energy sectors in Canada.Imagine a future where struggling farmers find new hope and prosperity, not by abandoning their land, but by partnering with companies in a symbiotic relationship. This is the vision of integrating agrovoltaic systems across Canadian farmlands—a cutting-edge solution where agriculture meets solar energy.Agrovoltaics, a concept that combines the cultivation of crops and the generation of solar energy on the same land, offers a beacon of hope for farmers facing economic challenges. By leasing parts of their land for solar panels, farmers can generate a steady income, helping them sustain their livelihoods. Meanwhile, these solar installations can protect crops from extreme weather, improve food production, and significantly reduce water needs. For companies, this initiative is an opportunity to contribute positively to the environment while offsetting their electricity consumption. It's a tangible step towards their sustainability goals, offering a greener footprint by investing in renewable energy and supporting local agriculture. This idea is not just about innovation; it's about creating a community of resilience, sustainability, and mutual growth. I believe that by bringing together farmers in need and forward-thinking companies, we can create a model of agricultural and energy production that is sustainable, efficient, and mutually beneficial. #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Agriculture #Agrovoltaics #Innovation #CanadianFarming

🌱 Unlocking the Potential of Miscanthus for Rural Development 🌱 As we face the growing challenges of abandoned, marginal, and low-productive agricultural lands across the European Union, it is crucial to explore innovative solutions that address both environmental and economic concerns. Discover how Miscanthus can be a game-changer for land restoration and rural prosperity. Let's continue to explore and implement sustainable practices that benefit both our environment and our communities. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dwZBseZe #Sustainability #RuralDevelopment #Miscanthus #Bioenergy #ClimateAction #Agriculture #EU #EnvironmentalImpact #LandRestoration #miscanthusgiganteus

Unlocking Fossil Energy Free Technologies in EU Agriculture! 🌱🚜 A recent study across 8 EU countries sheds light on what drives and hinders farmers from adopting Fossil Energy Free Technologies and Strategies (FEFTS). The research, based on 470 farmer surveys and 41 expert interviews, reveals key insights: • Economic benefits such as cost reduction are the strongest motivators for farmers to adopt renewable energy sources (RES) and energy-saving practices. • Environmental concerns also significantly influence adoption. • Financial support and access to tailored cost-benefit models are essential for encouraging the transition to FEFTS. To accelerate this shift, the study highlights the need for stronger financial incentives under the upcoming Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2027), coupled with national advisory services to support knowledge transfer and innovation. Read the full study Farmers’ needs, ideas and interests on the adoption of fossil energy free technologies and strategies in the EU by Bas Paris, Vasiliki Kanaki, Alexandros Koutsouris, Athanasios T. Balafoutis, George Papadakis to see the insights that offer a roadmap for fostering sustainable agriculture across the EU here: https://lnkd.in/dVsi4bCe #Agriculture #FossilEnergyFreeTechnologies #RenewableEnergySources #EnergySavingTechnologies #CarbonSequestration #FarmerSurveys   Adopter’s opinions on the energy-efficient technologies/practices they have/use

This week is Bioeconomy Week in Ireland ♻️ One key player in this transition AD. By utilising grass silage, crops and livestock manure, AD produces renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate. Here’s why anaerobic digestion is so important for Ireland’s bioeconomy: 1. Renewable Energy: Biomethane generated from AD reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a greener energy grid. 2. Sustainable Agriculture: Farmers can help reduce emissions and return nutrients to the soil in a sustainable way. 3. Circular Economy: By converting agricultural by-products into energy and resources, AD promotes the principles of reuse and recycling, keeping value in the system. As Ireland moves towards a low-carbon future, AD is helping drive the bioeconomy, supporting rural development, energy security, and environmental sustainability 🌍 #bioeconomyweek #sustainability #circulareconomy #anaerobicdigestion #agriculture #renewableenergy

🌱Let's talk about agrivoltaics (harvesting solar energy while growing crops) The exciting part? Just 1% of the EU's agricultural land could exceed the region's 2030 solar energy targets. ☀️ This smart integration of solar panels into farming activities maintains productivity while generating clean electricity. ⚡ Panels provide shade, protect crops, and double as semi-transparent greenhouses. 🌱 Agrivoltaics not only alleviates land competition concerns, but is also in line with EU policies on energy transition, agriculture and biodiversity. 🚜 Do you see this as a win-win for sustainable agriculture and clean energy? 🤔 #Agriculture #SustainableFarming #CleanEnergy

Harnessing the Sun for Water – The Impact of Solar-Powered Borewells in The Gambia In regions where access to clean water is a constant challenge, innovation and sustainability are key to unlocking new possibilities. The Gambia, with its abundant sunshine, presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize water access through solar-powered borewells. These solar borewells are not just borewells; they are beacons of hope. They provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to one of the most pressing needs of humanity - access to clean water. This innovative approach has transformed communities, empowering them towards self-sufficiency, improving health, and opening up new avenues for agriculture and economic development - One such opportunity is the Waste to Wonder Worldwide Sustainability Cookery School. The Impact: Sustainability: Solar power, being renewable and abundant, especially in places like The Gambia, ensures a sustainable source of energy to pump water, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon footprints. Accessibility: These borewells make clean water accessible in remote areas where traditional water infrastructure may be challenging to establish. This is a leap towards achieving water security and improving the quality of life. Economic Benefits: By providing a reliable water source for irrigation, solar borewells support local agriculture, enabling communities to grow crops year-round. This not only boosts food security but also provides economic stability and growth opportunities. Health and Education: Access to clean water significantly reduces waterborne diseases, improving overall community health. Children, who traditionally spend hours fetching water, can now attend school, laying the foundation for a brighter future. As we look towards sustainable development goals, the success story of solar-powered borewells in The Gambia is a powerful testament to what we can achieve with innovative thinking and renewable energy. Get involved in the next opportunity, upskilling young people out of extreme poverty in a sustainable way. I'm just a DM, WhatsApp or phone call away! #SolarPower #SustainableDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #WaterSecurity #Innovation #TheGambia

Elevating Rural Livelihoods: The Impact and Economics of Small-Scale Anaerobic Digesters In rural regions across Asia and other developing areas, small-scale anaerobic digesters are transforming lives. These digesters, typically devoid of mechanical mixing or heating, are pivotal in households for generating biogas used in stoves and lamps. Just imagine, the biogas required for a cooking stove used twice daily by a family of five needs only a digester of about 400-600 gallons. This can be sustained with the manure from just one pig, five cows, or 130 chickens. Cost and Economic Viability: The cost-effectiveness of these digesters, essential for their widespread adoption, varies significantly across different regions, as illustrated in image below. While in Asia, where these systems are well-established, the costs are relatively consistent, regions like Africa and Latin America face higher variability. This is often due to the sporadic availability of construction materials and the nascent stage of AD technology implementation. In terms of numbers, a 350 ft³ digester costs around $550 in Vietnam but leaps to over $1,500 in Kenya, reflecting stark regional differences. Such variability can challenge the scalability and adoption rates of AD technology in less developed regions. Operational Insights: Operating these AD systems incurs costs related to feedstock (mainly manure or food waste), maintenance, and repairs. These expenses can vary widely based on local availability of materials and skilled labor. Economic analyses of these systems are complicated by the often unquantified commercial value of feedstocks and the broader economic benefits they provide. Despite these challenges, the benefits are palpable—reducing deforestation by replacing firewood, stabilizing organic residues, and improving household air quality by minimizing smoke emissions. Moreover, governments in some Asian countries have bolstered this technology through incentives and subsidies, underscoring its potential benefits. This technology not only represents a stride towards sustainability but is also a cornerstone for enhancing rural livelihoods by providing a consistent source of energy and improving agricultural productivity through bio-fertilizer. The journey to optimize and expand the use of small-scale AD systems is crucial for fostering resilience and sustainability in rural economies worldwide. #AnaerobicDigestion #SustainableDevelopment #RuralInnovation #Biogas #RenewableEnergy #EconomicImpact info source - Ohio Online

The agriculture & water sectors are some of those that will highly benefit from this new industry of green hydrogen. Apart from green ammonia, the sectors above are posed to benefit from desalinated water that may supplement Government’s water supply efforts to coastal areas and mines.

🌱☀️ Unlocking Europe's agri-PV potential should be integrated into the mandate of the EU Commissioners responsible for Energy and Agriculture. Combining land use for food production and solar power opens up new areas for renewable deployment + increases food security and supports farmers with additional revenue streams. Its potential can be unlocked through alignment of energy policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Dan Jørgensen | Christophe Hansen | #SustainableAgriculture #StrategicDialogue #EUEnergy #CleanGrowth