Soaring energy prices...
For several months now, gas and electricity prices have been rising dramatically. Since 2021, the price of gas has risen from around €30 per MWh to more than €200, and the price of electricity has risen from €50 per MWh to more than €500 at peak hours over the same period. This rise, which is likely to last, is due to a drop in supply caused by a combination of factors: the cost of maintaining nuclear reactors, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict resulting in a drop in Russian gas exports, and the consequences of the 2022 drought resulting in a 20% drop in European hydroelectric production. This shortage situation has resulted in skyrocketing energy prices. It also highlights our dependence on fossil fuels.
Agriculture dependent on direct and indirect energy, but also a source of solutions!
This energy crisis has huge consequences on agricultural activities. When energy costs rise, farms immediately see the impact on their energy bills (electricity, gas, fuel oil - direct energy) but also on their input costs (fertiliser, feed). A study conducted by ADEME on the overall dependence of agriculture on energy showed in 2019 that energy represented between 12 and 20% of variable costs depending on production. Pig and poultry farms are particularly affected by these increases in their operating costs, but also by the soaring cost of feed. In dairy farms, certain farming methods that do not rely so much on robotics are less affected by these variations. The costs of producing fodder and sales crops have also risen dramatically (fuel, synthetic fertilisers, etc.).
Farmers play a key role in these transitions!
Sobriety is key in agriculture, and investments to save energy are important. In Brittany, 1,379 farms - mainly pig and poultry farms - received grants from the PCAE between 2015 and 2020 to carry out energy renovations. These renovations mainly involve insulation and ventilation. They allow for 20 to 50% savings in consumption. The same applies to cattle farms.
Agriculture also produces energy!
Projects involving anaerobic digestion, photovoltaic solar panels, wind power and wood energy are flourishing throughout our countryside. These renewable energies are either self-consumed for the needs of animal farming or sold on.
The Espace for the Future to move forward together!
Drawing on the testimonials of livestock farmers, equipment and techniques, our experts at the Chambers of Agriculture and their partners will show you that solutions do exist. And that everyone, at their own level, depending on their own system, can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
A round table discussion will be held at the Espace for the Future every day at 10.30 am!
Not to mention our collaborative workshops!
A new booth for the Espace for the Future
Besides this change of location, SPACE organisers and the Chambers of Agriculture are pleased to present you a whole new event for the Espace for the future composed of a three-part space of more than 300 sq. metre, which has been completely redesigned and reorganised:
• A Forum area featuring a series of events and round table debates to highlight the major issues surrounding ‘Animal Farming - Energy’ in relation to each of the sectors.
• An exhibition area where exhibitors' equipment, often awarded with Innov'Space prizes, will be displayed to illustrate the year's theme in concrete terms.
• A 'collaborative workshop' area where a programme (currently being prepared) will be offered for discussion in the presence of experts. These 30-minute workshops, based on technical presentations, will give visitors the opportunity to learn and consolidate their knowledge on specific subjects (e.g. Understanding energy contracts).