ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews recent developments in solar, wind and geothermal energy applications in agriculture and the agri-food sector such as processing, distribution, retail, preparation and cooking. The development and commercialization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal provides great potential to reduce costs in the agri-food sector. For instance, in addition to power generation, the main uses of geothermal waters are for space heating, district heating, spas balneology, aquaculture and greenhouse heating. However, much work remains to be done to make better use of renewable energy in the agri-food sector. Agriculture and food systems rely on a variety of energy sources, including renewable and non-renewable resources – such as fossil fuels – as well as human and animal labor. Solar energy in the form of photovoltaic (PV)-produced electricity can supply and/or supplement many energy requirements both on the farm and the entire agri-food chain.
