Energy Smart Livestock Farming towards Zero Fossil Fuel Consumption

Project Information

RES4LIVE

Grant agreement ID: 101000785

DOI

10.3030/101000785

Project closed

EC signature date 7 September 2020

Start date 1 October 2020

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 5 815 206,88

EU contribution

€ 4 998 554,95

Coordinated by

GEOPONIKO PANEPISTIMION ATHINON
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - RES4LIVE (Energy Smart Livestock Farming towards Zero Fossil Fuel Consumption)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

One of the most energy-consuming subsectors in agriculture is intensive livestock farming, which requires both electricity and thermal energy to meet its diverse energy demands. These include operations such as cooling and heating livestock buildings, operating equipment and tractors, lighting, and ventilation systems. Addressing fossil fuel usage in the agricultural industry has been crucial for achieving the EU’s global sustainability goals. By reducing fossil fuel use and, consequently, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in this energy-intensive sector, the project contributed to the green energy transition and overall sustainability in agriculture.

The mission of RES4LIVE was to develop and implement integrated, cost-effective, and context-specific Renewable Energy Sources (RES) solutions to achieve fossil-free livestock farming. Fossil fuel use in agriculture has been a significant source of GHG emissions, contributing to global climate change and posing risks to food security.

With decreasing costs, improved reliability, and enhanced performance of key RES technologies, opportunities for livestock producers to engage in RES production have grown. However, the diversity of available business models necessitated a thorough analysis to identify optimal operating systems. The potential, performance, and impact of RES technologies depend on local climate, site-specific conditions, farm size and type, management techniques, degree of mechanization, and socio-economic factors. Farmers require sound advice, investment support, and risk management strategies. The adaptation of RES technologies and machinery, along with their large-scale demonstration at the farm level, required supporting measures related to spatial planning, infrastructure, diverse business models, and market organization. RES4LIVE addressed these challenges to ensure the broader adoption of RES and energy efficiency technologies, machinery, and techniques in livestock farms, moving towards zero-fossil fuel consumption.

The project utilized key RES technologies, including PVT panels, heat pumps, geothermal energy, and biomethane production from biogas for tractors, to determine the most effective and efficient ways to incorporate them on farms. RES4LIVE successfully demonstrated integrated RES systems in four pilot farms located in Belgium (swine), Germany (dairy), Greece (poultry), and Italy (swine). While overarching RES technologies were implemented throughout the project, site-specific solutions were also introduced. Additionally, the project conducted a comprehensive assessment of RES technology integration and outcomes to facilitate their wider replication in the livestock farming industry.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

RES4LIVE made significant strides in adapting and demonstrating key Renewable Energy Systems (RES) technologies for seamless integration into livestock farming. These advancements included:

1. On-farm upgrading of biogas to biomethane.
2. Modification of a farm tractor for biomethane use.
3. Adaptation of a modular heat pump designed for efficient operation in livestock environments.
4. Development of a Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) system for easy and cost-effective farm installation.

These technologies were successfully designed, manufactured, and integrated into four pilot farms housing swine, dairy cows, and laying hens. The operational RES systems were commissioned in the summer of 2023. Additionally, an inventory of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency technologies was compiled, providing farmers and policymakers with accessible information for sustainable technology investments. Reports analyzing energy demand and consumption, RES availability in typical livestock farms, and livestock thermal comfort were also developed. In parallel, farm-specific smart energy control approaches and numerical simulation tools were created, focusing on the most promising technologies identified in the inventory. The model’s results contributed to optimal designs for fossil-free farms, aiming to minimize costs and maximize ecological impact.

RES4LIVE tested, fine-tuned, and monitored these technologies to evaluate their performance, thermal comfort impact, durability, de-fossilization potential, and user acceptance. The technical, environmental, and socio-economic evaluations yielded promising results. Farm-level Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models analyzed the economic, environmental, and social impacts of RES4LIVE interventions in livestock operations. Economically, while the technologies demonstrated positive effects, their success varied by farm—some achieved significant improvements, while others faced challenges due to high energy costs and initial investment requirements. Environmentally, most farms saw reductions in their overall impacts from the shift to renewable energy, though some experienced increases. Socially, the project led to improved community acceptance and stronger support for RES technologies, suggesting a broader adoption potential if economic and environmental concerns are addressed.

RES4LIVE also engaged in clustering activities, establishing connections with similar projects, professionals in the energy and livestock sectors, and policymakers. Knowledge transfer and co-design efforts were facilitated through workshops, webinars, conferences, and published articles, which contributed to the development of policy recommendations and a best practices inventory. The project's outreach was maximized through an extensive communication plan, regular website updates, social media engagement, and promotional materials. Additionally, RES4LIVE developed an exploitation plan and an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management strategy to secure further funding and ensure the long-term impact of its innovations.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The RES4LIVE project had a significant impact on both the livestock farming and renewable energy sectors by creating a model for sustainable, economically viable farms through smart energy solutions. It helped farmers reduce fossil fuel dependence, meet energy needs more efficiently, lower costs, improve competitiveness, and optimize animal productivity by enhancing living conditions. The integration of renewable energy significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental footprint of livestock farming.

The adoption of these innovative systems created broad impacts on the European economy, society, and agriculture, addressing key EU priorities:

• Advancing renewable energy knowledge in livestock farming.
• Promoting job growth, competitiveness, sustainability, and diversity in regional livestock farms.
• Reducing the environmental footprint of livestock farming and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and external energy providers.
• Establishing high animal welfare standards to improve productivity.

The project also contributed to policy briefs aimed at shaping directives on energy consumption in livestock farms, supporting the transition to a fossil-free sector. This was particularly relevant given the lack of existing policies on energy use in livestock facilities and equipment operations.

RES4LIVE poster

RES4LIVE logo