If you're curious about the electrification of agriculture and how Bulgin fits into the picture, look no further! We've created a two-part blog series on this exciting topic. The first part offers a general introduction and highlights some challenges in this field, while the second will dive into the technologies involved. Grab a coffee and enjoy!
The smell of fresh hay and earthy soil – with subtle whiffs of diesel – is what many associate with a traditional farm. Some of these smells are still there, but modern farms are buzzing with the quiet hum of electric machinery, solar panels are glinting in the sun, and automated systems monitor crop growth. The electrification of agriculture is helping to make food production more sustainable, enhancing both the efficiency and environmental responsibility of farming practices. While the shift to the electrification of agriculture is bringing numerous benefits, this blog will address the associated challenges, including high initial costs and the complexities of integrating new technologies.
Electrification of agriculture is about integrating electric-powered systems and technologies into farming practices. This involves the use of electric machinery, renewable energy sources and automated systems to make various processes – such as crop irrigation, monitoring, harvesting and storage – more efficient. Examples of electrification of agriculture include electric tractors, irrigation systems powered by renewable energy, and sensors that monitor soil and crop conditions.1
Agriculture currently generates an estimated 34 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions,2 and this number is expected to continue increasing to feed the growing global population. One of the major benefits of agriculture’s transition to electricity is reducing reliance on fossil fuels, as an industry-wide shift to renewable energy sources could have an immense positive impact on the environment. Another key advantage of the switch is efficiency; the electrification of agriculture can reduce labour costs and minimise waste, leading to higher productivity and more precise use of resources like water and fertilisers.
The transition to renewable energy and electrified agriculture presents several challenges. High initial costs for renewable energy systems and electric tractors are a significant barrier, and the intermittent nature of power sources like wind and solar can affect reliability, especially across different seasons. Solar panels may also occupy valuable land that could otherwise be used for crops, and energy storage and load balancing with batteries is both costly and technically complex. On top of that, the electronic components essential for energy supply and data management – such as connectors, switches and indicators – must not only be fast and reliable, but also capable of withstanding the harsh conditions typically found in agriculture, including water, dust, chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Agrivoltaics offers a more efficient way to harness solar power compared to traditional solar panels, as it allows the same land to be used for both crop cultivation and energy generation. Another promising solution is the use of transparent photovoltaic panels on greenhouse roofs, which have minimal impact on crop yield, though further efficiency improvements are needed. For large-scale renewable energy storage in agriculture, sodium-ion batteries present a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion. Additionally, electric tractors can replace diesel-powered machines, with current models already well suited to lighter tasks.
At Bulgin, we may not solve every challenge related to the electrification of agriculture, but we offer reliable, proven electronic components that help to give farmers one less thing to worry about. Our robust, sealed connectors offer reliable protection against external elements in even the harshest conditions. We also produce switches and indicators that are ideal for use in heavy-duty farming vehicles and equipment – including agricultural vehicles, cattle feeding machines, land surveying equipment and livestock process control systems – supporting the ongoing electrification of agriculture around the world!
1) Stakens, A. Mutule* and R. Lazdins, Agriculture electrification, emerging technologies, trends and barriers: a comprehensive literature review. Latvian journal of physics and technical sciences. 2023(3). doi:10.2478/lpts-2023-0015
2) Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development. Factsheet: Green Deal Targets for 2030 and Agricultural Production Studies. Brussels: European Commission. 2021.