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Renewable energy for rural communities
Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408 www.elsevier.nl/locate/renene
Renewable energy for rural communities N. El Bassam
*
International Research Center for Renewable Energy, Dedelstorfer Allee 6, D-29386 Dedelstorf, Germany
Abstract Current approaches to energy are unsustainable and non-renewable. Implementing sustainable energy strategies is one of the most important levers humankind has for creating a sustainable world. Future energy policies should put more emphasis on developing the potential of energy sources, which should form the foundation of future global energy structure. The FAO, in support of the Sustainable Rural Environment and Energy Network (SREN), is developing a concept for the optimisation, evaluation and implementation of integrated renewable energy sources for rural communities. 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
1. Introduction Current approaches to energy are unsustainable and non-renewable. Furthermore, energy is directly related to the most critical social issues that affect sustainable development: poverty, jobs, income levels, access to social services, gender disparity, population growth, agricultural production, climate change and environment quality, and economic and security issues. Without adequate attention to the critical importance of energy from all of these aspects, the global social, economical and environmental goals of sustainability cannot be achieved. Indeed the magnitude of change needed is immense, fundamental and directly related to the energy produced and consumed nationally and internationally. The key challenge to realizing these targets is to overcome the lack of commitment and to develop the political will to protect people and the natural resource base. Failure to take action will lead to continuing degradation of natural resources, increasing conflicts over scarce resources and widening gaps between rich and poor. We must act while we still have choices. Implementing sustainable energy strategies
* Tel.: +49-5832-979-775; fax: +49-5832-979-769. 0960-1481/01/$ - see front matter 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. PII: S 0 9 6 0 - 1 4 8 1 ( 0 1 ) 0 0 0 2 2 - 2
402
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
is one of the most important levers humankind has for creating a sustainable world. More than 2 billion people have no access to modern energy sources, most of them are living in rural areas. Food and fodder availability is very closely related to energy availability. In order to meet challenges, the future energy policies should put more emphasis on developing the potential of energy sources, which should form the foundation of future global energy structure. In this context, the FAO in support of the Sustainable Rural Environment and Energy Network (SREN) is developing a concept for the optimization, evaluation, and implementation of integrated renewable energy sources for rural communities.
2. The integrated renewable energy farm 2.1. Concept The concept of an integrated renewable energy farm (IREF) [1] is a farming system model with an optimal energetic autonomy, which includes food production and if possible, energy exports. Energy production and consumption at the IREF have to be environmentally friendly, sustainable and eventually based mainly on renewable energy sources. A combination of different possibilities exist for non-polluting energy production, such as modern wind and solar electricity production, as well as the production of energy from biomass. The IREF concept includes a decentralized living area from which the daily necessities (food and energy) can be produced directly on site with minimal external energy inputs. The land of an IREF may be divided up into compartments to be used for growing food crops, fruit trees, annual and perennial energy crops and short rotation forests, along with wind and solar energy units within the farm (Fig. 1). An IREF system based largely on renewable energy sources would seek to optimize energetic autonomy and an ecologically semi-closed system while also providing socio-economic viability and giving due consideration to the newest concept of landscape and bio-diversity management. Ideally, it would promote the integration of different renewable energies and rural development, as well as contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. 2.2. The objectives The project is an activity of the SREN of the European System of Cooperative Research Networks in Agriculture (ESCORENA). Under the leadership of FAL and the SREN working group on Biomass Production and Conversion of Energy, a group of SREN member scientists and others will collaborate to: 앫 develop the conceptual framework of the IREF model, 앫 gather the required information, 앫 elaborate the results into a functional model,
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
Fig. 1.
403
Model of an Integrated Renewable Energy Farm (RIEF) [1].
앫 publish the results, and 앫 prepare a project proposal for experimental verification of the model. The overall objective is that the IREF concept be successfully introduced into agricultural production systems which have to be completely sustainable. As a contribution to the above, this project seeks to: 앫 develop a workable scientific model for estimating the requirements and feasibility of an IREF ready for experimental verification or demonstration in Europe; 앫 prepare a project proposal for experimental verification (demonstration farms) of the model under various conditions. The demonstration farms will also offer possibilities for demonstration and education. Data collection and model development will take place in close collaboration with the Sustainable Development Department Group of the regional office for Europe (REUS) and the Environment and Natural Resources Services of the Sustainable Development Department (SDRN) and other technical departments of FAO. This collaboration will assure adaptability of the model to non-European regions and the mutual benefit of this project to FAO programs (e.g. World Food Submit Action Plan, Strategy 2000) and future FAO initiatives like “Energizing the Food Chain” and in organic farming.
404
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
3. Results 3.1. Global approach Basic data should be available for the verification of an IREF. Various climatic constraints, water availability, soil conditions, infrastructure, availability of skills and technology, population structure, flora and fauna, common agricultural practices and economic and administrative facilities in the region should be taken into consideration. From a global point of view predominating assumptions have been established in order to evaluate the possible contribution of the major renewable energy sources to support food production for a given area. Climatic conditions prevailing in a particular region are the major determinants of agricultural production. In addition, other factors like local and regional needs, availability of resources and other infrastructure facilities also determine the size and the product spectrum of the farmland. The same requisites also apply to an IREF. The climate fundamentally determines the selection of plant species and their cultivation intensity for energy production on the farm. Moreover, climate also influences the production of the energy mix (consisting of biomass, wind and solar energies) at a given location. How a single technology can be installed also depends decisively on climatic conditions of the locality in question. For example, cultivation of biomass for power generation is not wise in arid areas. Instead a larger share can be allocated to solar energy techniques in such areas. Likewise, coastal regions are ideal for wind power installations. Taking these circumstances into account, a scenario was created for an energy farm of 100 ha in definite climatic regions of Northern and Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Sahara and Equatorial regions. It was presumed that one unit of this size needs about 200 mega-watt-hours (mwh) heat and 100 mwh power per annum for its successful operation. A need for fuel of approximately 8000 l per annum has to be calculated. The possible shares of different renewable energies are presented in Table 1. It is evident that in the whole of Europe, wind and biomass energies contribute the major share to the energy mix, while in North Africa and Sahara the main emphasis obviously lies with solar and wind energies. Equatorial regions offer great possibilities for solar as well as biomass energies and little is expected from wind energy in these regions. Under these assumptions, in Southern Europe, Equatorial regions and North and Central Europe, a farm area of 4.8, 10 and 12%, respectively, would be needed for cultivation of biomass for energy purposes. This would correspond to an annual production of 36, 45 and 60 tons for respective regions. In North Africa and Sahara regions, in addition to wind and solar energy, 14 tons of biomass from 1.2% of the total area would be necessary for energy provisions. Moving ahead, in order to broaden the scope and seek the practical feasibility of such farms, the dependence of local inhabitants (end users) is to be integrated in this system. Roughly 500 (125 households) persons can be integrated with one farm unit. They have to be provided with food as well as energy. As a consequence, the
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
405
Table 1 The possible shares of different renewable energies in diverse climatic zones produced on an energy farm of 100 ha area Climate region
Energy source
North and Solar 200 m2 Central Europe Wind 100 kW Biomass South Europe Solar 250 m2 Wind 100 kW Biomass North Africa Solar 300 m2 Sahara Wind 100 kW Biomass Equatorial Solar 200 m2 region Wind 100 kW Biomass
Power production (% of total need)
Heat production Biomass need (% of total (total area) need)
7 100 100 12.7 100 70 21 75 25 18.2 45 70
15 – 105 40 – 65 90 – 25 37.5 – 80
Biomass area (% of the total area)
60
12
36
48
14
1.2
45
estimated extra requirement of 1900 mwh of heat and 600 mwh of power have to be fulfilled from extra sources. Under the assumption that the share of wind and solar energy in the complete energy provision remains at the same standard as without the households, 450 tons of dry biomass is needed to be produced to fulfil this farm demand at a location in North and Central Europe. For the production of this quantity of biomass, 20% of farm area is to be dedicated to cultivation. In Southern Europe and the Equator, 15% of the land area should be made available for the provision of additional biomass. 3.2. Layout of an IREF The IREF is divided into several compartments which are used for different purposes. The nucleus of the farm could be dedicated to a main building and other storage and energy installations. The next compartment may be used for cultivation of crops for daily necessities such as fruits and vegetables, spices and medicinal herbs, floricultural plants and for animal husbandry. Some portion of this segment can be allotted to workshops and parking purposes. Further rings may be used for cultivation of annual energy crops, cereals, oilseeds, sugar and starch crops. It is proposed that the perennial energy crops and energy forest are placed in the outermost compartment so that they may provide shelter to the inner ring crops. The energy farm is also proposed to have provisions for fish and bee farming (apiculture). In order to generate its maximum output, it is necessary to determine the most appropriate equipment and facilities to be located on the farm. These would probably include: 앫 wind mills,
406
앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
solar collectors (thermal), solar cells (PV), briquetting and pelleting machines for biomass, bio-gas production units, power generators (bio-fuels, wind and PV operated), bio-oil extraction and purifying equipment, fermentation and distillation facilities for ethanol production, pyrolysis unit, sterling motors, water pump (solar wind and bio-fuel operated), vehicles (solar, bio-fuels operated or draught vehicles), monitoring system, cooking stoves.
The overall objective is to promote a complete sustainable farming system. Depending upon this objective, the verification of demonstration farms in various regions of the world have to be prepared taking into account the following influential factors: 앫 앫 앫 앫
impact, influence and needs of climate, soil and crops, ratio of required food/bio-fuel production, input requirement for cultivation, energy balance and output/input ratio, equipment choices (wind, solar and biomass generation and conversion technology).
Information so collected from different regions would help to decide about the optimal farm size, its regional adaptation and to solve other related constraints.
4. Regional implementation Having verified the implementation of the IREF in a practical sense at a regional level, taking into consideration the climatic and soil conditions, planning work has been started at Dedelstorf (Northern Germany). An area of 280 ha has been earmarked for this farm which would satisfy the food and energy demands of 700 respondents. For the settlement, old military buildings are being renovated. It is expected that it will take a period of 3 years to complete the project. The main elements of heat and power generation will be: solar generators and collectors, a wind generator, a biomass combined heat and power generator, a sterling motor and a bio-gas plant (Fig. 2). The total energy to be provided amounts to 8000 mwh heat and 2000 mwh power energy. The cultivation of food and energy crops will be according to ecological guidelines. The energy plant species foreseen are: short rotation coppice, willow and poplar, miscanthus, polygonum, sweet and fibre sorghum, switch grass and reed canary grass and bamboo. Adequate food and fodder crops as well as animal hus-
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
Fig. 2.
407
Technologies for heat and power production on Integrated Renewable Energy Farms.
bandry are being implemented according to the needs of people and specific environmental conditions of the site. A research, training and demonstration centre will accompany this project. In northern Germany a site near Hanover has already been identified for the implementation of an IREF (90% biomass, 7% wind, 3% solar) and as a research centre for renewable energies — solar, wind and energy from biomass as well as their configuration. Special emphasis is dedicated to optimisation of energetic autonomy in decentralised living areas and to promote regional resource management. The centre will undertake the responsibility in the field of research and education in the transfer of technology and co-operation with national and international organisations. It will also provide the trade and industry to introduce, demonstrate and commercialise the products. Co-operation with developing countries on the issues of sustainable energy and food production is also one of the prime objectives of the research centre (Fig. 3). The world still continues to seek energy to satisfy its needs without giving due consideration to the social, environmental, economical and security impacts of its use. It is now clear that current approaches to energy are unsustainable. It is the responsibility of political institutions to ensure that the research and the development of technologies supporting sustainable systems be transferred to the end users. Scientists must bear the responsibility of understanding the earth as an integrated whole and the impact of our actions on the global environment in order to ensure sustainability to avoid disorder in the natural life cycle.
408
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
Fig. 3.
Integrated Renewable Energy Farm, Dedelstorf, Germany.
The importance of energy in agricultural production, food preparation and consumption is evident and essential. An IREF represents an important step to achieve these targets.
Reference [1] El Bassam N. Biological life support systems under controlled environments. In: El Bassam N et al. editors. Sustainable agriculture for food, energy and industry. London: James & James Science Publishers, 1998;2:1214–16.
Renewable energy for rural communities N. El Bassam
*
International Research Center for Renewable Energy, Dedelstorfer Allee 6, D-29386 Dedelstorf, Germany
Abstract Current approaches to energy are unsustainable and non-renewable. Implementing sustainable energy strategies is one of the most important levers humankind has for creating a sustainable world. Future energy policies should put more emphasis on developing the potential of energy sources, which should form the foundation of future global energy structure. The FAO, in support of the Sustainable Rural Environment and Energy Network (SREN), is developing a concept for the optimisation, evaluation and implementation of integrated renewable energy sources for rural communities. 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
1. Introduction Current approaches to energy are unsustainable and non-renewable. Furthermore, energy is directly related to the most critical social issues that affect sustainable development: poverty, jobs, income levels, access to social services, gender disparity, population growth, agricultural production, climate change and environment quality, and economic and security issues. Without adequate attention to the critical importance of energy from all of these aspects, the global social, economical and environmental goals of sustainability cannot be achieved. Indeed the magnitude of change needed is immense, fundamental and directly related to the energy produced and consumed nationally and internationally. The key challenge to realizing these targets is to overcome the lack of commitment and to develop the political will to protect people and the natural resource base. Failure to take action will lead to continuing degradation of natural resources, increasing conflicts over scarce resources and widening gaps between rich and poor. We must act while we still have choices. Implementing sustainable energy strategies
* Tel.: +49-5832-979-775; fax: +49-5832-979-769. 0960-1481/01/$ - see front matter 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. PII: S 0 9 6 0 - 1 4 8 1 ( 0 1 ) 0 0 0 2 2 - 2
402
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
is one of the most important levers humankind has for creating a sustainable world. More than 2 billion people have no access to modern energy sources, most of them are living in rural areas. Food and fodder availability is very closely related to energy availability. In order to meet challenges, the future energy policies should put more emphasis on developing the potential of energy sources, which should form the foundation of future global energy structure. In this context, the FAO in support of the Sustainable Rural Environment and Energy Network (SREN) is developing a concept for the optimization, evaluation, and implementation of integrated renewable energy sources for rural communities.
2. The integrated renewable energy farm 2.1. Concept The concept of an integrated renewable energy farm (IREF) [1] is a farming system model with an optimal energetic autonomy, which includes food production and if possible, energy exports. Energy production and consumption at the IREF have to be environmentally friendly, sustainable and eventually based mainly on renewable energy sources. A combination of different possibilities exist for non-polluting energy production, such as modern wind and solar electricity production, as well as the production of energy from biomass. The IREF concept includes a decentralized living area from which the daily necessities (food and energy) can be produced directly on site with minimal external energy inputs. The land of an IREF may be divided up into compartments to be used for growing food crops, fruit trees, annual and perennial energy crops and short rotation forests, along with wind and solar energy units within the farm (Fig. 1). An IREF system based largely on renewable energy sources would seek to optimize energetic autonomy and an ecologically semi-closed system while also providing socio-economic viability and giving due consideration to the newest concept of landscape and bio-diversity management. Ideally, it would promote the integration of different renewable energies and rural development, as well as contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. 2.2. The objectives The project is an activity of the SREN of the European System of Cooperative Research Networks in Agriculture (ESCORENA). Under the leadership of FAL and the SREN working group on Biomass Production and Conversion of Energy, a group of SREN member scientists and others will collaborate to: 앫 develop the conceptual framework of the IREF model, 앫 gather the required information, 앫 elaborate the results into a functional model,
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
Fig. 1.
403
Model of an Integrated Renewable Energy Farm (RIEF) [1].
앫 publish the results, and 앫 prepare a project proposal for experimental verification of the model. The overall objective is that the IREF concept be successfully introduced into agricultural production systems which have to be completely sustainable. As a contribution to the above, this project seeks to: 앫 develop a workable scientific model for estimating the requirements and feasibility of an IREF ready for experimental verification or demonstration in Europe; 앫 prepare a project proposal for experimental verification (demonstration farms) of the model under various conditions. The demonstration farms will also offer possibilities for demonstration and education. Data collection and model development will take place in close collaboration with the Sustainable Development Department Group of the regional office for Europe (REUS) and the Environment and Natural Resources Services of the Sustainable Development Department (SDRN) and other technical departments of FAO. This collaboration will assure adaptability of the model to non-European regions and the mutual benefit of this project to FAO programs (e.g. World Food Submit Action Plan, Strategy 2000) and future FAO initiatives like “Energizing the Food Chain” and in organic farming.
404
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
3. Results 3.1. Global approach Basic data should be available for the verification of an IREF. Various climatic constraints, water availability, soil conditions, infrastructure, availability of skills and technology, population structure, flora and fauna, common agricultural practices and economic and administrative facilities in the region should be taken into consideration. From a global point of view predominating assumptions have been established in order to evaluate the possible contribution of the major renewable energy sources to support food production for a given area. Climatic conditions prevailing in a particular region are the major determinants of agricultural production. In addition, other factors like local and regional needs, availability of resources and other infrastructure facilities also determine the size and the product spectrum of the farmland. The same requisites also apply to an IREF. The climate fundamentally determines the selection of plant species and their cultivation intensity for energy production on the farm. Moreover, climate also influences the production of the energy mix (consisting of biomass, wind and solar energies) at a given location. How a single technology can be installed also depends decisively on climatic conditions of the locality in question. For example, cultivation of biomass for power generation is not wise in arid areas. Instead a larger share can be allocated to solar energy techniques in such areas. Likewise, coastal regions are ideal for wind power installations. Taking these circumstances into account, a scenario was created for an energy farm of 100 ha in definite climatic regions of Northern and Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Sahara and Equatorial regions. It was presumed that one unit of this size needs about 200 mega-watt-hours (mwh) heat and 100 mwh power per annum for its successful operation. A need for fuel of approximately 8000 l per annum has to be calculated. The possible shares of different renewable energies are presented in Table 1. It is evident that in the whole of Europe, wind and biomass energies contribute the major share to the energy mix, while in North Africa and Sahara the main emphasis obviously lies with solar and wind energies. Equatorial regions offer great possibilities for solar as well as biomass energies and little is expected from wind energy in these regions. Under these assumptions, in Southern Europe, Equatorial regions and North and Central Europe, a farm area of 4.8, 10 and 12%, respectively, would be needed for cultivation of biomass for energy purposes. This would correspond to an annual production of 36, 45 and 60 tons for respective regions. In North Africa and Sahara regions, in addition to wind and solar energy, 14 tons of biomass from 1.2% of the total area would be necessary for energy provisions. Moving ahead, in order to broaden the scope and seek the practical feasibility of such farms, the dependence of local inhabitants (end users) is to be integrated in this system. Roughly 500 (125 households) persons can be integrated with one farm unit. They have to be provided with food as well as energy. As a consequence, the
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
405
Table 1 The possible shares of different renewable energies in diverse climatic zones produced on an energy farm of 100 ha area Climate region
Energy source
North and Solar 200 m2 Central Europe Wind 100 kW Biomass South Europe Solar 250 m2 Wind 100 kW Biomass North Africa Solar 300 m2 Sahara Wind 100 kW Biomass Equatorial Solar 200 m2 region Wind 100 kW Biomass
Power production (% of total need)
Heat production Biomass need (% of total (total area) need)
7 100 100 12.7 100 70 21 75 25 18.2 45 70
15 – 105 40 – 65 90 – 25 37.5 – 80
Biomass area (% of the total area)
60
12
36
48
14
1.2
45
estimated extra requirement of 1900 mwh of heat and 600 mwh of power have to be fulfilled from extra sources. Under the assumption that the share of wind and solar energy in the complete energy provision remains at the same standard as without the households, 450 tons of dry biomass is needed to be produced to fulfil this farm demand at a location in North and Central Europe. For the production of this quantity of biomass, 20% of farm area is to be dedicated to cultivation. In Southern Europe and the Equator, 15% of the land area should be made available for the provision of additional biomass. 3.2. Layout of an IREF The IREF is divided into several compartments which are used for different purposes. The nucleus of the farm could be dedicated to a main building and other storage and energy installations. The next compartment may be used for cultivation of crops for daily necessities such as fruits and vegetables, spices and medicinal herbs, floricultural plants and for animal husbandry. Some portion of this segment can be allotted to workshops and parking purposes. Further rings may be used for cultivation of annual energy crops, cereals, oilseeds, sugar and starch crops. It is proposed that the perennial energy crops and energy forest are placed in the outermost compartment so that they may provide shelter to the inner ring crops. The energy farm is also proposed to have provisions for fish and bee farming (apiculture). In order to generate its maximum output, it is necessary to determine the most appropriate equipment and facilities to be located on the farm. These would probably include: 앫 wind mills,
406
앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
solar collectors (thermal), solar cells (PV), briquetting and pelleting machines for biomass, bio-gas production units, power generators (bio-fuels, wind and PV operated), bio-oil extraction and purifying equipment, fermentation and distillation facilities for ethanol production, pyrolysis unit, sterling motors, water pump (solar wind and bio-fuel operated), vehicles (solar, bio-fuels operated or draught vehicles), monitoring system, cooking stoves.
The overall objective is to promote a complete sustainable farming system. Depending upon this objective, the verification of demonstration farms in various regions of the world have to be prepared taking into account the following influential factors: 앫 앫 앫 앫
impact, influence and needs of climate, soil and crops, ratio of required food/bio-fuel production, input requirement for cultivation, energy balance and output/input ratio, equipment choices (wind, solar and biomass generation and conversion technology).
Information so collected from different regions would help to decide about the optimal farm size, its regional adaptation and to solve other related constraints.
4. Regional implementation Having verified the implementation of the IREF in a practical sense at a regional level, taking into consideration the climatic and soil conditions, planning work has been started at Dedelstorf (Northern Germany). An area of 280 ha has been earmarked for this farm which would satisfy the food and energy demands of 700 respondents. For the settlement, old military buildings are being renovated. It is expected that it will take a period of 3 years to complete the project. The main elements of heat and power generation will be: solar generators and collectors, a wind generator, a biomass combined heat and power generator, a sterling motor and a bio-gas plant (Fig. 2). The total energy to be provided amounts to 8000 mwh heat and 2000 mwh power energy. The cultivation of food and energy crops will be according to ecological guidelines. The energy plant species foreseen are: short rotation coppice, willow and poplar, miscanthus, polygonum, sweet and fibre sorghum, switch grass and reed canary grass and bamboo. Adequate food and fodder crops as well as animal hus-
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
Fig. 2.
407
Technologies for heat and power production on Integrated Renewable Energy Farms.
bandry are being implemented according to the needs of people and specific environmental conditions of the site. A research, training and demonstration centre will accompany this project. In northern Germany a site near Hanover has already been identified for the implementation of an IREF (90% biomass, 7% wind, 3% solar) and as a research centre for renewable energies — solar, wind and energy from biomass as well as their configuration. Special emphasis is dedicated to optimisation of energetic autonomy in decentralised living areas and to promote regional resource management. The centre will undertake the responsibility in the field of research and education in the transfer of technology and co-operation with national and international organisations. It will also provide the trade and industry to introduce, demonstrate and commercialise the products. Co-operation with developing countries on the issues of sustainable energy and food production is also one of the prime objectives of the research centre (Fig. 3). The world still continues to seek energy to satisfy its needs without giving due consideration to the social, environmental, economical and security impacts of its use. It is now clear that current approaches to energy are unsustainable. It is the responsibility of political institutions to ensure that the research and the development of technologies supporting sustainable systems be transferred to the end users. Scientists must bear the responsibility of understanding the earth as an integrated whole and the impact of our actions on the global environment in order to ensure sustainability to avoid disorder in the natural life cycle.
408
N. El Bassam / Renewable Energy 24 (2001) 401–408
Fig. 3.
Integrated Renewable Energy Farm, Dedelstorf, Germany.
The importance of energy in agricultural production, food preparation and consumption is evident and essential. An IREF represents an important step to achieve these targets.
Reference [1] El Bassam N. Biological life support systems under controlled environments. In: El Bassam N et al. editors. Sustainable agriculture for food, energy and industry. London: James & James Science Publishers, 1998;2:1214–16.