Selling or retaining RECs does not impact the overall energy use measure (in MJs) but does impact whether the energy is categories as “renewable” or “nonrenewable”. If the REC for that renewable energy is sold, then that energy is placed in the “nonrenewable” category. If the REC is retained, then the energy stays in the renewable energy category.
Net metering does not impact the total MJs, but like REC ownership, it affects where it is placed in terms of renewable versus non-renewable.
Here are the energy factors used in FARM ES:
electricity east* 14.07772 MJ primary / kWh electricity
electricity west* 11.10698 MJ primary / kWh electricity
diesel 155.4316 MJ primary / gallon diesel
biodiesel 68.16122 MJ primary / gallon biodiesel
fuel oil 180.5243 MJ primary / gallon fuel oil
propane 104.001 MJ primary / gallon propane
natural gas 139.5043 MJ primary / therm (= ccf) natural gas
gasoline 164.8766 MJ primary / gallon gasoline
* North America is comprised of two different major power grids, east and west. The data source for the electricity factors only offered factors for east and west at the time that the FARM ES model was created.
Diesel use for manure spreading does not need to be entered into the energy use section of FARM ES– the model already makes assumptions about manure spreading energy use within its feed emissions factors in the model.
Diesel to scrape the pens is considered a dairy activity and should be included in the energy use section of FARM ES.
Yes, electricity to run sand separators should be included. For energy use, the model needs anything that is NOT related to cropping activities.
Yes, electricity to run digesters, manure separators and sand separators should be included. For energy use, the model needs anything that is NOT related to cropping activities.
Yes, natural gas to dry manure solids for bedding should be included. For energy use, the model needs anything that is NOT related to cropping activities.
FARM ES does not yet account for benefits of RNG production from digesters. If the digester gas is solely being used for RNG, then the response would be 0% for the questions about electricity and heat generation in the evaluation.
Assuming the main driveway is what’s used to haul milk, etc., plowing is critical for the dairy operation during the winter and energy used for that purpose should be included.
Yes, fuel oil would be the best of the available options. Make a note of it in the “Notes” field in case FARM is ever able to accommodate the specifics of waste oil in the future.