HOW CAN AFRICAN AQUACULTURE BENEFIT FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH SOLAR POWER?
The rapid growth of the aquaculture sector in Africa requires in addition to the cost of feed, a huge demand for energy, yet to reduce these energy expenses, there is the possibility of using more sustainable solutions; renewable energies such as solar energy rather than non-renewable energies, with the reduction of CO2 emissions, for an innovation in sustainable aquaculture in Africa.
Aquaculture plays an essential role in the global food economy and in Africa as well, providing healthy aquatic food of high nutritional quality for human consumption. Many aquatic species are cultivated for commercial purposes, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs (FAO, 2024).
The main energy sources used for aquaculture are oil, diesel and fossil fuels. The cost of energy and the corresponding implications in terms of carbon emissions from aquaculture activities are the subject of much attention (Bostock et al., 2010). Tyedmers and Pelletier (2007) have shown that energy dependency is linked to the intensity of aquaculture production.
Solar energy is one of the cleanest energy sources and is presented as a potential renewable energy source for the world with benefits such as reducing CO2 emissions, reversing global warming by being environmentally friendly, and innovation in sustainable aquaculture and potential cost efficiency for manufacturing. In this review, we present an overview of the use of non-renewable and renewable energy sources for aquaculture by reviewing several articles and applications of solar energy in many companies around the world.
Aquaculture food systems depend on large amounts of energy, particularly fossil fuels, for their productivity (Neff et al., 2011; Namany et al., 2019) and are responsible for one third of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Crippa et al., 2021). It is impossible to meet national and international climate targets without reducing emissions from the food and agricultural sectors (Parker et al., 2018; Clark et al., 2020 ). The challenge is to transform the food and energy sectors in a way that is equitable and environmentally sustainable while maintaining food security (FAO, 2021). Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is one of the most promising options for improving the sustainability of the food system and combating climate change (IRENA, 2017).
The use of renewable energy in aquaculture paves the way for the sustainability of aquaculture in Africa. In this symbiotic relationship, the integration of floating solar technology into aquaculture systems is emerging as a visionary solution that not only meets energy needs but also improves the overall ecological sustainability of aquaculture practices. Plus, rising energy prices have a significant impact on aquaculture industry operations, which can reduce food security at local, regional and global levels (Kim and Zhang, 2018).
In production life cycle assessment, an internationally standardised and science-based method, the greatest impact of the activity is attributed to food. In aquaculture systems, especially in closed systems, energy is the second most important source of energy needed to pump, filter and maintain water temperature and oxygen levels (Zhang et al, 2023).
In the aquaculture sector, energy is supplied for aeration machines, lighting, refrigerators, freezers and appliances for farm staff (lights, televisions, air conditioners/fans). In addition, floating solar installations act as a protective layer, reducing evaporation and maintaining water quality in aquaculture ponds. The panels prevent excessive sunlight penetration, prevent algae blooms and improve the overall ecological balance.
Solar energy for aquaculture is a potential renewable energy source of the future to provide sustainable electricity, an efficient and sustainable solution to reduce the cost of aquaculture production in different countries in Africa especially as the aquaculture site is often located off the national grid, it is therefore necessary to use solar photovoltaic energy in aquaculture to meet the energy needs of aquaculture farms.
