Renewable energy and hydrogen on-site generation for irrigation and mobility in vineyards

The energy used in agriculture is a source of greenhouse gases. In order to reduce the emissions produced by the use of diesel and electricity, the European project LIFE REWIND addresses the supply from renewable resources. Firstly, the energy demand of the vineyard and winery have been characterized. Secondly, the optimal design of generation has been sought, both from an economic and emission reduction point of view. A prototype with photovoltaic generation has been installed in a vineyard, including a set of solar panels floating on an irrigation pond. This avoids the use of terrain, reduces the loss of water from the pond and improves the performance of photovoltaic panels. The electricity produced feeds the wastewater treatment plant of the cellar and the pumps for drip irrigation of the vineyard. With the surplus energy, an electrolyser produces hydrogen by electrolysis of the water, which is used by an off-road vehicle with a fuel cell. The results show the feasibility of renewable energy systems in the vineyards. This avoids both the indiscriminate extensions of the electric grid and the use of diesel generator sets. Furthermore, the ability of replacing diesel for electricity or hydrogen produced on the farm itself is shown.