Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy

This book examines the characteristics and opportunities for farm energy in the northeast quadrant of the United States, with attention to energy use, strategic energy management, and energy production by solar, wind, biomass, and other means. Throughout, the distinct characteristics of the region and their impact on energy solutions are discussed, and the outlook for future energy strategies is considered. Farm energy production and use are topics of increasing interest, as the need for improved efficiency and the opportunity for sustainable energy production both drive agricultural enterprises to reduce energy use and pursue opportunities for renewable energy production and use on the farm. However, the unique regional characteristics of agriculture make it challenging to apply a single approach to all situations.

Daniel Ciolkosz is an associate research professor in Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. He works to help Pennsylvania’s farms and related businesses develop bioenergy and improve energy efficiency. He is the extension program co-lead for Penn State’s renewable energy extension effort, organizes Penn State’s Bioenergy Short Course Series, participates in Pennsylvania’s State Wood Energy Team and Fuels for Schools groups, and is an active participant in the USDA Sustainable Farm Energy regional project. His research interests include biomass densification processes, thermochemical conversion, and farm energy benchmarking.