Australian almond farm’s solar success: A model for rural decarbonisation
- Editorial Team SDG7
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
Small-scale renewable projects can drive significant emissions reductions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The global push for sustainability and adherence to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has spotlighted innovative solutions in unexpected places. In New South Wales, Australia, the Kerarbury almond farm exemplifies how small-scale agricultural operations can contribute meaningfully to climate action (SDG 13). By integrating solar power and battery storage, the farm has slashed its annual CO₂ emissions by 7,500 metric tons, as reported by Environment+Energy Leader on June 30, 2025.
This case underscores the power of localised renewable energy projects to drive rural decarbonisation, offering a scalable model for global agricultural communities. Addressing barriers to adoption, such as high upfront costs and limited policy support, is critical to amplifying these efforts, ensuring that rural areas play a pivotal role in achieving global net-zero ambitions.
The power of small-scale renewable projects
The Kerarbury almond farm, located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, has implemented a 5.99 MW solar array coupled with a 2.3 MW/4.5 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This infrastructure, developed by AGL Energy in partnership with Sungrow, powers 83% of the farm’s operations, generating approximately 14,000 MWh of clean electricity annually. By transitioning from diesel and grid-based electricity, the farm has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels, cutting emissions equivalent to removing 1,600 cars from the road each year. This aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), demonstrating how renewable energy can enhance energy security while mitigating environmental impact.
Globally, agriculture accounts for roughly 10-12% of greenhouse gas emissions, with methane and nitrous oxide from livestock and fertilisers being significant contributors.
In Australia, the agricultural sector is responsible for 14% of national emissions, according to the Climate Council (2024). Small-scale renewable projects like Kerarbury’s offer a pathway to reduce this footprint. Studies suggest that if 20% of Australian farms adopted similar solar and storage systems, the sector could cut emissions by up to 15 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030, contributing significantly to Australia’s target of a 43% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030.
However, barriers to adoption remain. Upfront costs for solar arrays and battery systems can exceed AUD 5 million for mid-sized farms, a daunting figure for small operators. Policy support, such as Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (set to launch in July 2025), is critical but often focuses on residential rather than agricultural applications. Additionally, grid connection challenges, as highlighted by The Guardian in 2023, can lead to curtailment, where renewable energy is wasted due to insufficient infrastructure. Overcoming these hurdles requires targeted subsidies, streamlined grid access, and knowledge-sharing platforms to empower farmers.
Initiatives leading the charge
The Kerarbury project is not an isolated success. Across Australia, agrivoltaics, combining agriculture with solar energy, is gaining traction. For instance, the New England Solar Farm, a 720 MW project in New South Wales, integrates sheep grazing beneath its panels, enhancing land use efficiency while generating clean energy.
This dual-use approach supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable land management. Globally, similar initiatives are emerging. In the Netherlands, solar farms paired with berry cultivation have increased yields by 10% due to microclimate benefits, while in India, solar-powered irrigation systems have reduced diesel consumption by 30% in rural farming communities.
Looking to the future, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that solar energy could account for 22% of global electricity by 2030, with small-scale projects playing a critical role in rural areas. In Australia, the Clean Energy Council reported in 2025 that battery storage installations are expected to double by 2027, driven by projects like Kerarbury’s. These advancements signal a growing recognition of agriculture’s potential to lead decarbonisation efforts, provided barriers like financing and technical expertise are addressed.
Achieving global sustainability goals requires collective action across borders, industries, and communities. The Kerarbury farm’s success highlights the importance of partnerships between energy providers (like AGL and Sungrow), agricultural operators, and policymakers. Such collaborations align with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), fostering innovation and resource-sharing. Globally, initiatives like the FAO’s Energy-Smart Agriculture programme promote knowledge exchange, helping farmers in developing nations adopt renewable technologies. For instance, Kenya’s solar-powered microgrids have electrified 15,000 rural households since 2020, reducing emissions and improving livelihoods.
The global society benefits when local actions scale through shared expertise. Australia’s advancements in agrivoltaics could inform strategies in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where 80% of farmland lacks access to reliable electricity. International funding mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, can support these transitions by providing grants for renewable energy projects in agriculture, ensuring that small-scale farmers worldwide contribute to climate resilience.
A blueprint for a sustainable future
The Kerarbury almond farm’s solar success is a testament to the transformative potential of small-scale renewable projects in agriculture. By cutting 7,500 tons of CO₂ annually, it demonstrates that rural communities can lead the charge in decarbonisation, aligning with global SDGs like climate action, clean energy, and sustainable land use. Overcoming barriers, such as high costs and grid limitations, will require sustained policy support and global collaboration. As more farms adopt renewable solutions, their cumulative impact could reshape the agricultural sector’s environmental footprint, paving the way for a sustainable future.
