Work

State-level electricity and emissions footprints of U.S. irrigation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study quantifies the state-level electricity footprint and associated carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO₂e) emissions footprint of U.S. agricultural irrigation, an essential but under-examined component of the energy-water-food nexus. Using open data, we estimate that in 2023, on-farm irrigation in the United States consumed approximately 26.2 TWh of electricity, cost $2.5 billion, and produced 8.2 million metric tons of CO₂e. These figures account for 0.68% of the national electricity consumption and 0.57% of national CO₂e emissions, with notable state-level variations. This analysis, the first to use the most recent data for state-level results only available every few years, highlights the potential for targeted energy management and emissions reduction strategies in U.S. agricultural irrigation.

Source: Environmental Challenges

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101170

Authors: Robert B. Sowby, R. Bennett Price

Institution: Brigham Young University

Language: English

Topic: Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140