Economic Evaluation of Wind Energy as an Alternative to Natural Gas Powered Irrigation Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • High natural gas prices have agricultural producers searching for alternative energy sources for irrigation. The economic feasibility of electric and hybrid (electric/wind) systems are evaluated as alternatives to natural gas powered irrigation. Texas Panhandle and Southern Kansas farms are assessed with a quarter-mile sprinkler system, three crops, and two pumping lifts. Breakeven points identify the price at which conversion from a natural gasirrigation system to an electric or hybrid system is cost effective. Results indicate electricity is a more feasible energy source for irrigation and policy changes such as net metering are necessary to make hybrid systems viable.

author list (cited authors)

  • Guerrero, B. L., Amosson, S. H., Marek, T. H., & Johnson, J. W.

complete list of authors

  • Guerrero, Bridget L||Amosson, Stephen H||Marek, Thomas H||Johnson, Jeffrey W

publication date

  • January 2010