Renewable Energy Integration into Agricultural and Food Engineering
A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 474
Special Issue Editors
Interests: renewable energy; food engineering; food science and technology; environmental control
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue explores the transformative role of renewable energy in modernizing agricultural and food engineering systems. It integrates renewable energy technologies into agricultural machinery, food processing equipment, and supply chain operations to improve energy efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. This Special Issue seeks to pave the way for a cleaner, more resilient agricultural future by addressing key challenges and showcasing innovative solutions.
The objectives of this Special Issue are as follows:
- To explore advancements in renewable energy-powered agricultural machinery and food processing equipment;
- To assess the role of renewable energy in decarbonizing agricultural and food supply chains;
- To examine energy-efficient solutions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of agricultural and food systems;
- To highlight the economic, environmental, and operational benefits of integrating renewable energy across the supply chain;
- To present real-world applications, case studies, and pilot projects demonstrating renewable energy innovations.
Renewable Energy Integration in Agricultural Machinery and Equipment:
- Renewable energy-powered tractors, ploughs, and harvesters;
- Solar and wind-powered machinery for planting, seeding, and tillage;
- Battery storage and hybrid systems for off-grid agricultural equipment.
Renewable Energy in Food Processing and Preservation Equipment:
- Solar-powered milling, grinding, and processing machines;
- Renewable energy integration in industrial food production lines;
- Bioenergy and solar-powered food preservation technologies such as cold storage, freezing, and drying.
Renewable Energy Across the Supply Chain:
- Solar and wind-powered logistics and transportation systems for agricultural products;
- Renewable energy solutions for warehouse management and inventory systems;
- Decentralized renewable energy systems for powering rural supply chain networks.
Post-Harvest Management with Renewable Energy:
- Renewable-powered systems for grain drying, milling, and husking;
- Applications of solar, biogas, and hybrid systems for post-harvest mechanization;
- Reducing post-harvest losses using renewable energy in storage and distribution.
Renewable Energy-Powered Aquaculture Systems:
- Solar aerators and pumps for aquaculture tanks and ponds;
- Renewable energy integration in feed processing and storage for aquaculture;
- Energy-efficient cooling and heating systems for fish and seafood processing.
Digitalization and Automation in Energy Integration:
- IoT-enabled renewable energy management systems for agricultural equipment;
- Smart sensors and AI are used to optimize renewable energy usage in processing lines;
- Renewable-powered robotics for harvesting and packaging operations.
Supply Chain Decarbonization
- Life-cycle analysis of renewable energy integration across agricultural supply chains;
- Renewable energy for packaging, labelling, and distribution equipment;
- Innovations in carbon-neutral logistics and delivery systems.
Emerging Technologies and Future Directions:
- Renewable-powered precision farming drones and autonomous systems;
- Innovations in hydrogen fuel cells for agricultural equipment;
- Advanced bioenergy systems for multi-functional agricultural applications.
Case Studies and Best Practices:
- Success stories of renewable energy-powered processing plants and equipment;
- Regional case studies on renewable energy adoption in agricultural machinery;
- Comparative analyses of renewable energy integration models across different countries.
Prof. Dr. Tilahun Seyoum Workneh
Dr. Alaika Kassim
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- renewable energy
- food processing
- cooling
- drying
- supply chain decarbonization
- renewable-powered machinery
- solar energy
- wind energy
- biomass energy
- bioenergy
- hydrogen energy
- energy-efficient equipment
- cold chain management
- solar drying
- sustainable agriculture
- climate-smart farming
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