From daytime irrigation to selling surplus energy: solutions to optimize the use of solar energy in irrigation communities

Irrigation Community in Spain Implements Sustainable Energy Practices

The Lower Guadalquivir Valley Irrigation Community in Spain has taken steps towards sustainable and economically viable irrigation practices by implementing solar energy solutions. With a photovoltaic plant installation, the community has become a pioneer in the country’s irrigation systems, covering almost 19,000 hectares and involving over 2,000 irrigators. This initiative serves as a testing ground for the scientific community and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture.

Maximizing Solar Energy Use in Irrigation

The Hydraulics and Irrigation research group from the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, in collaboration with the University of Cordoba’s Department of Agronomy, has partnered with the Lower Guadalquivir Valley Irrigation Community to develop strategies for optimizing solar energy use. The researchers, Maaike van de Loo, Emilio Camacho, and Juan Antonio Rodríguez, have identified two approaches to reduce energy loss and dependence on external sources.

1. Adjusting irrigation schedules to coincide with daylight hours when solar energy is produced, avoiding nighttime irrigation. This shift in growers’ habits would increase the availability of photovoltaic energy above 90%. The adoption of drip irrigation, which minimizes water consumption by up to 60%, further supports this strategy.
2. Selling surplus solar energy to supplement income. However, the profitability of this approach has decreased due to the increase in solar energy production at the national and European levels.

While these strategies do not guarantee 100% exploitation of solar energy, they contribute to a more sustainable irrigation model that combines environmental protection with economic profitability. The Lower Guadalquivir Valley Irrigation Community’s experience and ongoing research provide valuable insights for the future of irrigation.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the use of solar energy in irrigation to make it more sustainable and economically viable. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 9, which focuses on promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Additionally, the use of solar energy contributes to SDG 13, which addresses climate action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article highlights the installation of a 6-megawatt photovoltaic plant for solar energy production in irrigation. This aligns with Target 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The use of solar energy in irrigation also contributes to Target 9.4, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable. Furthermore, integrating solar energy into irrigation practices helps achieve Target 13.2 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
• Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added in manufacturing industries and construction
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan that addresses climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction

The article mentions that the installation of the photovoltaic plant has made the Lower Guadalquivir Valley Irrigation Community self-sufficient in terms of energy through solar power. This can be measured using Indicator 7.2.1, which tracks the renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of solar energy in irrigation can be measured using Indicator 9.4.1, which monitors CO2 emissions per unit of value added in manufacturing industries and construction. Additionally, the collaboration between the research group and the irrigation community to develop strategies for sustainable solar energy use aligns with Indicator 13.2.1, which measures the establishment or operationalization of integrated policies/strategies/plans addressing climate change.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: eurekalert.org