Evaluating energy consumption within Icelandic greenhouses : towards sustainable and efficient vegetable production

This study aims to evaluate the energy usage associated with increasing food production in Iceland in relation to greenhouse agriculture. Electricity and heating in Iceland are primarily sourced from renewable resources. To reach carbon neutrality the country is working towards electrification and synthetic fuels production for the transportation sector. This shift will result in a higher electricity demand and put pressure on the grid. While creating new sources of energy is crucial to ensure a smooth transition, increasing energy efficiency from the end-user can also make an impact. Currently, Iceland’s agricultural sector supplies only half of the food required to feed the population. Vegetable production is also considered to be energy intensive due to Iceland's limited solar irradiation and cold climate. This paper looks at options for increased efficiency in greenhouses to determine how local food production could increase without the increasing electricity demand. Additionally, various calculations were made to determine how much energy is required to meet the Icelandic dietary recommendations for vegetable consumption, with only the consumption of Icelandic grown produce. Overall, the study found that with the use of more efficient lighting, the total energy usage of vegetable greenhouses would decrease by 28.6 GWh or 18%. To meet the dietary guidelines, 1661 GWh per year would be needed.

Author dc:creator

• Danielle Melissa Napier 2000-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Orkuverkfræði
• Meistaraprófsritgerðir
• Gróðurhús
• Grænmetisrækt
• Fæðuöryggi
• Sustainable energy engineering
• Greenhouses
• Vegetable trade

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/50836

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/50836