Principles of a Utility-independent and Environmentally Clean Farm A.G. Shapar', A.G. Kopach (Institute for Nature Management, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) In an environmentally sound agricultural facility, the production processes will be included in the natural cycle, making the farm a nearly closed system in terms of geochemistry and energy. This necessitates complete recycling, embedding all units in the natural elements of the geographic environment, minimizing the removal of matter and energy from the system and maximizing their input to it. For the steppe regions of Ukraine, biogas and solar energy may cover 55 to 60 % and wind power 10 to 15 % of the power demand. The remaining 30 % of energy must come in the form of liquid fuel; this item also may in part be supplied by farming via synthesis of biomass fuels. A proof-of-the-concept version of a utility-independent, clean farm includes unconventional structures for keeping cattle and pigs, processing fodder and making finished products from milk and meat. Furthermore, the farm will have a 10 to 12 kW windmill, a 40 to 50 m3 anaerobic metatank, a 150 m2 solar collector with heat accumulation tanks for diurnal and seasonal operation, and heat pumps. For a 300-hectare farm, the savings will amount to 260-310 MWh, covering about 75 % of its power demand. Assessment of the pay-off period gives 2.6 to 8.7 years for the power generation units alone and 3.2 to 4.0 years for the capital expenses on a produce-sale basis. The project cost is estimated at USD 580,000, including $310,000 for the construction and installation, $120,000 for the equipment and accessories, and $110,000 for the R&D.
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