In a significant move for sustainable agriculture, AFS, an Australian farming firm, is embracing renewable energy microgrids to cut carbon emissions at its almond operations in New South Wales. The initiative is supported by Australian utility AGL, which is delivering a solar-powered microgrid to help the commercial orchard transition from diesel to renewables.
AGL Energy Collaborates With Australian Farming Services for Microgrid
AGL Energy, a leading power generator, has announced a strategic partnership with Australian Farming Services (AFS) on three microgrid projects. These are designed to boost sustainability for agricultural operations across Riverina, New South Wales (NSW).
The collaboration’s recently completed first phase at Cadell involved a significant commercial solar and microgrid installation. This on-site system features a five-hectare solar farm with a 4.8 MW solar array and a 4.17 MWh battery, connected by 7 kilometers of underground power lines. It also includes inverters, controller systems, and grid stability units.
Due to its remote location, the 1,690-hectare Cadell Orchard is not connected to the main grid and has historically relied solely on diesel generators to power its electric pumps.
In addition to the Cadell project, AGL is developing a 6.5 MW solar array and a 5.1 MWh battery energy storage system at the nearby Canally Almond Orchard. A third microgrid is also planned for AFS’s Murray Downs Processing Plant, with all three sites dedicated to almond production.
The Microgrid Will Cut Diesel Usage and Carbon Emissions
The new microgrid will drastically reduce the use of diesel-powered generators at the Australian Farming Services (AFS) Cadell Orchards, according to Australia’s AGL Energy. This collaboration marks a major step toward reducing the region’s carbon footprint.
The orchards have traditionally relied on diesel generators for their irrigation systems. Switching to on-site solar and battery storage is expected to cut diesel dependence by 85%, significantly lowering the orchards’ Scope 1 carbon dioxide emissions. This initiative signals a major shift toward clean energy practices that could revolutionize how the agricultural sector consumes power.
“As one of the region’s major employers, these renewable energy projects offer our businesses increased energy price stability and improved energy reliability, allowing us to concentrate on producing Australian-grown almonds,” said AFS chief executive officer David Armstrong.
The new setup will deliver 5.2 GWh of renewable energy to the farm annually, cutting the orchard’s carbon emissions by an estimated 4,700 tons. While the United States remains the world’s largest almond producer, this project supports Australia’s farming sector, which has risen to second with nearly 145,000 metric tonnes of crop production.
Globally, the impact of such changes is significant. According to Climate Watch, agriculture, forestry, and land use contribute over 18% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. For comparison, 2021 EPA data from the United States shows the agricultural sector accounted for around 10% of emissions, while the electric power sector accounted for nearly 25%.
AGL to Manage Microgrid in Long-Term Power Deal
Under a long-term power purchase agreement, AGL will own and operate the microgrid. This move solidifies the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, with AGL overseeing day-to-day management to ensure seamless integration and reliable performance.
As sustainability becomes a core focus of global energy agendas, AGL’s initiative is a notable step toward a greener future. The company’s approach emphasizes the long-term environmental and economic benefits of investing in renewable energy infrastructure and could set a precedent for the industry.
These projects are part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and efficiency in almond production. Construction on the three microgrids began at the Cadell Orchards almond farm in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024. This ambitious timeline highlights the commitment of both AGL Energy and Australian Farming Services to building a more sustainable future for agriculture in Riverina, NSW.
