Large-scale agricultural irrigation

Beneficial Electrification in Agriculture

Replacing fossil fuels with clean electricity on farms and for farmers

Replacing fossil fuel with electricity supports decarbonization and is an important step toward a more sustainable future in agriculture.

Beneficial Electrification

Beneficial electrification is the practice of electrifying end-uses, replacing direct fossil fuels consumption with electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

When is electrification “beneficial”?

Electrifying end-uses is beneficial when the result supports at least one of the following goals (but preferably all three):

  • Reduces environmental impacts,
  • Fosters a robust grid by increasing grid stability and reliability, and
  • Reduces energy costs over the long run for both consumers and utilities.

Powering end-uses with clean and renewable electricity significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it possible to achieve a greener economy.

"Beneficial Electrification programs are a valuable opportunity to engage both electric utilities and environmental groups in the effort to identify solutions that work well for the end-use consumer, local communities and the environment."

— EESI

Learn More about Beneficial Electrification

Check our FAQ section to find more information on Beneficial Electrification

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Project

Encouraging beneficial electrification in agriculture to build a more sustainable, stable, and greener food system as part of the energy transition.

This research explores examples of federal and utility programs and policies encouraging beneficial electrification within agriculture.

Our goals for this project are to:

  1. Inform about beneficial electrification, its advantages, and opportunities.
  2. Find examples of federal and utility programs targeting farmers and agricultural customers.
  3. Find a possible replicable model targeting beneficial electrification practices for agricultural customers.