Review of Alternative Energy Sources for Irrigation Use in Idaho

Alternative electrical energy sources for meeting the power needs of irrigated agriculture in Idaho are discussed in light of present energy restraints and the escalation in prices of non-renewable fuels for energy production. Six alternatives have been identified that involve renewable energy sources and three non-renewable sources are suggested. A brief explanation is made of how each of these alternatives function in producing electrical power suitable for serving irrigated agriculture. An assessment of the technical feasibility in Idaho's irrigated agricultural region of these various alternative energy sources is made and a presentation is likewise made of the social and political acceptibility of each of the alternatives to serve as a source of power for irrigation pumping as conditions exist in 1979. Finally an estimate is made of the cost of producing electrical energy for irrigation operations in Idaho for each alternative to indicate possible choices of the future. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made to encourage development of the most promising alternatives that might meet the conservation needs of the state and meet possible new load growth that now appears to be facing those involved in irrigated agriculture