U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program

Wind Energy for Agricultural Water Supply

Irrigation, which is the second largest water user after thermoelectric power in the United States, has traditionally used systems powered by diesel, gasoline, grid electricity, propane, or natural gas. Because nine of the top 10 irrigation states are in regions with good to excellent wind resources, there may be an opportunity for wind energy to provide a clean renewable source of energy for irrigation.

Related Information

To read more about wind energy for agricultural water supply, click on the links to project examples and organizations below.

Wind Energy for Agricultural Water Project Examples

• U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program 2005 project in Idaho

Organizations

• USDA Conservation and Production Research Lab
  Renewable Energy & Manure Management Research Unit
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program