The role of energy management in the agricultural sector: key prerequisites and impacts

K. Bumbiere*, S. Sereda, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Faculty of Electrical and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes street 12/1, Riga LV 1048, Latvia
*Correspondence: ketija.bumbiere@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Agriculture is one of the most energy-consuming sectors in the EU’s economy. Implementing sustainable agriculture to reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency through energy management is a crucial strategy to tackle climate change. In this paper, the role of energy management in the agricultural sector is studied, and experiences from Europe and the world have been considered. Literature analysis regarding the chosen topic has been conducted, including the methodology of energy management plan development and its implementation in the case study of Latvia. Data from Latvia’s agricultural and other sectors have been analysed and compared. Latvia’s Inventory Report regarding GHG emissions in the agricultural sector was reviewed, and all emission sources in the agricultural sector were highlighted. The primary purpose of the study is to find out if energy management were introduced in an agricultural company, what would be the potential GHG emission, energy savings and additional advantages. Two companies working in Latvia were surveyed, and potential emission and energy consumption reduction measures in agriculture that would be applied to companies were developed. The research showed that by implementing the basic principles of energy management, it would be possible to reduce the average energy consumption by 17%. If measures are applied to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural companies, the average emissions would be reduced by 43%.

Key words:

Benchmarking the GHG emissions intensities of crop and livestock–derived agricultural commodities produced in Latvia

A. Lenerts*, D. Popluga and K. Naglis-Liepa

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Economics and Social Development, Institute of Economics and Regional Development, Svetes street 18, LV-3001, Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: arnis.lenerts@llu.lv

Abstract:

With the production of grain and livestock–derived agricultural commodities increasing, the agricultural sector has become one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in Latvia. In 2016, the agricultural sector contributed to 23.6% of the total GHG emissions originated in Latvia (266.4 kt CO₂eq), and therefore the mitigation of the emissions is important. Considering the new indicative target, Latvia must reduce its GHG emissions in the non-ETS sectors by 2030 (Regulation 2018/842) so that the emissions do not exceed the 2005 level. The research aims to estimate the emissions intensities (EI) of grain and livestock-derived commodities produced in Latvia and benchmark the EI against those for other countries. The GHG EI were analysed per kilogram of product (kg CO₂eq kg^-1) and per hectare currently in use agricultural land (kg CO₂eq ha^-1). The main part of the GHG emissions of crop production originated from fertilizer application (direct N₂O emissions) and soil liming (direct CO₂ emissions). The main part of the GHG emissions of livestock–derived production originated from livestock enteric fermentation (direct CH₄ emissions) and from manure management systems (direct CH₄ and N₂O emissions). The EI per hectare of industrial crops and grain were 550.5 and 438.4 kg CO₂eq ha^-1, respectively. The yield and fertilizer application had a strong impact on the EI per kilogram of product. Pulses had a lower EI (0.003 kg CO₂eq kg^-1), while industrial crops (0.17 kg CO₂eq kg^-1) and grain (0.09 kg CO₂eq kg^-1) had the highest EI. A comparison of the GHG EI of crop and livestock–derived agricultural commodities per kilogram of product between Latvia and other EU Member States showed: Latvia had the lowest grain EI (0.09 kg CO₂eq kg^-1), but one of the highest cattle meat EI (25.18 kg CO₂eq kg^-1) and milk EI (0.64 kg CO₂eq kg^-1).

Key words:

benchmarking, commodities, emissions intensity, GHG