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Economic Evaluation of Wind Energy as an Alternative to Natural Gas Powered Irrigation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

Bridget L. Guerrero ,
Stephen H. Amosson ,
Thomas H. Marek  and
Jeffrey W. Johnson
Bridget L. Guerrero
Affiliation:
Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Lubbock, TX
Stephen H. Amosson
Affiliation:
Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Amarillo, TX
Thomas H. Marek
Affiliation:
Texas AgriLife Research, Amarillo, TX
Jeffrey W. Johnson
Affiliation:
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
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Abstract

High natural gas prices have agricultural producers searching for alternative energy sources for irrigation. The economic feasibility of electric and hybrid (electric/wind) systems are evaluated as alternatives to natural gas powered irrigation. Texas Panhandle and Southern Kansas farms are assessed with a quarter-mile sprinkler system, three crops, and two pumping lifts. Breakeven points identify the price at which conversion from a natural gas irrigation system to an electric or hybrid system is cost effective. Results indicate electricity is a more feasible energy source for irrigation and policy changes such as net metering are necessary to make hybrid systems viable.

Keywords

electricityirrigationnatural gaswind energyQ12Q20Q42
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 42 , Issue 2 , May 2010 , pp. 277 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2010

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