Energy use and efficiency has become increasing important globally due to the increasing cost and scarcity of energy sources (particularly crude oil) and the associated production of greenhouse gasses causing global warming. The rising costs of energy and associated energy-intensive products such as fertilizers and chemicals are now one of the major challenges facing modern mechanised agriculture. This problem is particularly acute in Australian cotton farming systems which are often expansive and require high inputs of all of these commodities.

Continuously increasing energy prices and the needs for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions make the improvement of farming energy efficiency essential. Exploration of new alternative and renewable energy sources is also vital.

The broad aim of this project was to develop farmer-friendly resources to assist the Australian cotton industry evaluate alternate energy sources that can be integrated into normal farming operations to save energy, save money and reduce cotton’s carbon footprint.

The specific objectives of this work include:

• Review commercially available alternative (renewable) energy and fuel options.

• Assess the feasibility of commercially available alternative (renewable) energy and fuel options.

• Examine performance / characteristics of non-commercial alternative fuel sources and mixtures.

• Reduce operating costs and emissions of non-commercial alternative fuel sources and mixtures.

• Inform the cotton industry on opportunities, costs and greenhouse gas implications of alternative (renewable) energy and fuels.