Renewable Energy-Based Recirculating Aquaculture System to Improve Production Sustainability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62872/a.v1i2.526Keywords:
Aquaculture, Circular economy, Descriptive quantitative analysis, Recirculating aquaculture systems, Renewable energyAbstract
Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are widely recognised as water-efficient and environmentally sound production technologies; however, their substantial energy demand remains a primary barrier to large-scale deployment, particularly in developing economies. This study examines the integration of renewable energy sources, including solar photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines, hydrogen hybrid systems, and microalgae-based bioenergy, into RAS through a descriptive quantitative analysis of 31 peer-reviewed publications (2020–2024). Quantitative descriptive statistics were computed for thematic distribution, annual publication frequency, and key system performance indicators: CO₂ emission reduction, operational cost savings, and water use efficiency. Results show that solar PV integration reduces CO₂ emissions by 45–65% and operational costs by 30–48%, while PV–electrolysis–hydrogen hybrid systems achieve up to 75% emission reduction. Circular economy integrations, biofloc technology, IMTA, aquaponics, and microalgae-mediated nutrient recycling, further enhance system sustainability with water savings of 85–98%. This study concludes that renewable energy-based RAS is technically and economically viable and recommends a phased integration strategy beginning with solar PV as the highest-priority first step toward genuinely sustainable global aquaculture.
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