Applications of Solar Energy for Enhancing Sustainable Food

The populationPopulation is increasing worldwide and is expected to surpass 9 billion individuals by 2050, and at the same time, the global demand for food will increase dramatically and this will affect food security, which will negatively affect sustainable developmentSustainable Development. Recent developments in urbanizationUrbanization and Agricultural industrializationIndustrialization exerted pressure on agriculture, which played a crucial role in meeting the worldwide food demand. Adapting new and efficient methods for the sustainable agri-food sector is more crucial. The supply chain of agri-food mostly depends on fossil fuels which contribute to global warming and greenhouse gasGreenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Several scenarios or strategies have been applied to minimize the GHGE by replacing renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. The utilization of solar energy technology is presently growing and has the potential to be incorporated into various agricultural industrializationIndustrialization activities. This has the ability to provide an alternativeAlternative current and sustainable solution in comparison to current practicesPractices. The aim of using solar energy advancements in the sustainable food industry is to help both society and agricultural communities in different areas and sizes improve their productivityProductivity and sustainabilitySustainability. This chapter addresses typical problems by introducing recent solar energy technologiesTechnologies that are utilized in drying systems, greenhouseGreenhouse cultivation, solar heating and solar refrigeration. The purpose of this chapter is to act as a guide for scientists, engineers, and stakeholders who are dedicated to sustainability and are involved in projects concerning food security, energy, and climateClimate change. Applying solar-based agricultureAgriculture projects in Saudi Arabia, outlining the key challenges and benefits, and presenting them will bridge the gap in knowledge between producers and researchers in the field.