Renewable Energy Resources for Irrigation - Practices of Irrigation and On-farm Water Management - page 482

Each of these sources has unique characteristics which influence how and
where they are used. Every country in the world is seeking new energy sources
as alternatives to fossil fuels. For the best use of such resources, we need to
know how much is available, what the limitations are, and how to make efficient
devices to convert them into suitable energy form, or directly use them for various
purposes.
13.1.3 Present Status of Uses of Renewable Energy
In 2006, about 18% of global final energy consumption came from renewables,
with 13% coming from traditional biomass, like wood-burning. Hydropower was the
next largest renewable source, providing 3%, followed by hot water/heating which
contributed 1.3%. Modern technologies, such as geothermal, wind, solar, and ocean
energy together provided some 0.8% of final energy consumption. The technical
potential for their use is very large, exceeding all other readily available sources
(WEA, 2001 ) .
13.2 Need of Renewable Energy
The growing energy use all over the world and the increase in energy cost results
in an increase in the prices of energy-dependent products, such as crops and meats.
Environmental pollution caused by the use of traditional energy sources, such as
fossil fuel, makes it necessary to find new solutions for this problem. In addition,
sources of fossil fuel are being rapidly depleted and energy consumption is increas-
ing at an exponential rate. The International Energy Outlook 2009 (IEO, 2009 )
predicts strong growth for worldwide energy demand over the period from 2006
to 2030. Using renewable energy resources to power an irrigation system is a means
of decreasing the dependency of food products on the prices of fuel and minimizing
the impact of the irrigation system on the environment.
Renewable energy is an essential part of many countries low emissions energy
mix, and is important to today's energy security. It plays a strong role in reduc-
ing greenhouse gas emissions and helping nations stay on track to meet its
Kyoto target and beyond. Governments should support for renewable energy, assist
industry development, reduce barriers to the national electricity market, and provide
community access to renewable energy.
Renewable energy can be particularly suitable for developing countries. In rural
and remote areas, transmission and distribution of energy generated from fossil
fuels can be difficult and expensive. Producing renewable energy locally can offer
a viable alternative. Renewable energy projects in many developing countries have
demonstrated that renewable energy can directly contribute to poverty alleviation
by providing the energy needed for creating businesses, employment, and safe
water supply. Renewable energy technologies can also make indirect contributions