Multi-focusing Analysis and Impact of PV-Solar Resource in Groundwater Pumping Agriculture Applications

Nowadays, most developed countries are promoting policies and initiatives focused on the integration of renewable energy resources into different sector, such as industrial, agricultural or residential sectors. Specifically,... [ view full abstract ]

Nowadays, most developed countries are promoting policies and initiatives focused on the integration of renewable energy resources into different sector, such as industrial, agricultural or residential sectors. Specifically, the energy model currently applied on the agriculture sector for pumping groundwater purposes needs important changes to decrease fossil fuel dependence, emissions and a giving more sustainable solution. In this way, solar resource emerges as a suitable substitute for diesel equipment, mainly in Mediterranean countries where the annual solar irradiation presents high averaged values. Under this framework, it should be desirable to have an extensive view of the risks regarding sustainability in the agriculture sector for pumping irrigation proposals, not only from the economic and energy point of view, but also considering other relevant aspects, such as water efficiency, environmental and cooperative possibilities of the sector. Actually, a more general view of the agents can provide more efficient solutions by considering most parameters that have influence on the groundwater pumping problem: aquifers, farmers, rural areas, energy equipment… This paper describes a multi-focusing approach to evaluate the impact of PV solar resource integration into agriculture irrigation purposes from an extensive analysis. A relevant amount of variables are thus considered, including relations and dependence among them to design a more accurate and efficient implementation an integration of PV solar energy in the pumping agriculture. Preliminary results corresponding to the proposed multivariable and multidimensional analysis are also included in the paper taking into account water requirements, energy needs, environmental impact and socioeconomic conditions. An aquifer located in the South-East of Spain has been considered as case study. Relevant information about the aquifer, crops and current agricultural situation is also included in the paper.