WATEROP Operational Group: Optimization of water and energy in the agricultural sector

The project aims to achieve energy savings on farms by using renewable energy (solar photovoltaic) to power pumping stations. The goal is to complement the current pumping system, so that whenever there is radiation, the station will pump water to the irrigation network at the specified pressure.

The photovoltaic installation will operate in isolation, supplying only the variable speed drive, which in turn supplies the pumping unit. The planned photovoltaic installation will act as an energy transformation tool, harnessing the inexhaustible and non-polluting source of the sun.

Furthermore, the use of solar primary energy will allow for decentralized electricity generation by producing it at the same location as it is consumed, thus avoiding transportation losses. Furthermore, its use will provide the facility with greater energy autonomy and less dependence on non-renewable energy sources. A facility of this type produces, in an environmentally friendly manner, more than ten times the energy consumed in its manufacture over its useful life.

The photovoltaic cells currently manufactured are made of silicon, a material obtained from sand and therefore very abundant, and of which significant quantities are not required. During use, the environmental impact is practically negligible and there are no toxic emissions.