Agriculture stands at the heart of a paradox—it is both a critical victim of climate change and a significant contributor to it, responsible for approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions 5 .
Imagine a farm that not only produces food but also generates its own clean energy, powers its operations with sunlight and agricultural waste, and uses water with pinpoint precision.
This vision is rapidly becoming a reality as the worlds of energy and agriculture converge to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to feed a growing population while reducing environmental impact.
With the global population projected to reach between 9.7 and 9.8 billion by 2050, food production must increase by a staggering 60-70% from mid-2000s levels 3 . This immense challenge is compounded by climate change, which has already slowed global agricultural productivity growth by an estimated 21% over the past 50 years 3 .
Global greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
Required increase in food production by 2050
Reduction in agricultural productivity due to climate change
Agriculture has always been energy-intensive, but the sources of that energy are undergoing a profound transformation. Traditionally dependent on fossil fuels for everything from machinery and irrigation to fertilizer production and food processing, the sector found itself locked in a cycle of pollution, volatile fuel prices, and environmental degradation 5 .
On-farm energy use accounts for 0.9 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent annually 9 , making farmers vulnerable to fluctuating fuel costs and supply disruptions.
Renewables now account for 17.8% of the agriculture sector's energy use as of 2022, up from just 11.4% in 2012 9 . Farms are becoming power producers rather than just consumers.
Small and medium-sized wind turbines power irrigation systems, grain dryers, and processing units 5 .
When combined with solar in hybrid microgrids, provides consistent power supply independent of the central grid.
Agricultural waste converted into biogas and biofuels through advanced fermenters and on-farm biogas digesters 5 .
Exemplifies the circular economy in action, turning potential waste into valuable resources.
Beyond renewable energy, a suite of advanced technologies is making farming smarter and more efficient.
A groundbreaking real-world experiment in decentralized renewable energy (DRE) for agriculture was conducted in Nepal and published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2025 8 .
Identifying representative farming operations across Nepal's diverse agricultural landscape
Installing appropriate DRE solutions including solar PV systems and biomass energy systems
Monitoring energy production, reduction in post-harvest losses, and increases in farmer income
Evaluating potential of underutilized renewable energy mini-grids for agricultural applications
Estimated Adoption Rate in 2025
30-40% Cost Reduction
12-25% Emissions Reduction
Estimated Adoption Rate in 2025
18-25% Cost Reduction
10-18% Emissions Reduction
Estimated Adoption Rate in 2025
20-28% Cost Reduction
15-22% Emissions Reduction
The integration of energy and agriculture represents more than just a technical shift—it embodies a fundamental transformation in humanity's relationship with the land and its resources.
From Nepal's decentralized renewable energy systems to advanced biotech labs developing climate-resilient crops, solutions are emerging that offer hope for a sustainable food future. What makes this moment particularly significant is that these innovations are no longer experimental curiosities but are proving their value at scale, delivering both environmental benefits and economic returns.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, the convergence of renewable energy and agricultural technology creates unprecedented opportunities to build food systems that are not only productive but also regenerative. These systems have the potential to nourish a growing population while restoring ecosystems, enhancing rural livelihoods, and combating climate change.
The seeds of this revolution have been sown; with continued innovation, investment, and implementation, we can cultivate a future where farms truly become power plants for both food and clean energy, sustaining generations to come.