Sunenergy. Water supply through photovoltaic solar energy

Irrigated agriculture is four times more productive than dry land agriculture. However, its viability is conditioned by the efficient and sustainable use of resources, the most important of which are water and energy.

In the case of energy, the pumping station is intended to be supplied with energy from photovoltaic energy. Currently, there are problems with its proper use for irrigation, such as the annual variability of irradiance and, above all, the daily variability of the same. Another problem, not yet adequately resolved, is the influence of cloudiness and how to adapt irrigation to the availability of power at any given time. There are therefore various conditions that are intended to be evaluated through a pilot experience in order to design innovative solutions for the use of this energy in irrigation.

Advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) allow irrigation to be managed in a precise manner, with knowledge of all the factors involved in irrigation and without uncertainties, ensuring sustainable use of water. The synchronization of precision irrigation with available irradiance is part of what will be smart irrigation in the future. The Operative Group will work to develop a pilot project where all the innovation that constitutes smart irrigation can be developed and transferred, an irrigation that optimizes resources, makes sustainable use of them and increases productivity.