TOOLBOX Operational Group: Definition of a toolbox for reducing energy consumption in pressurized irrigation networks for vineyards

The project aims to create optimization tools to reduce energy consumption in pressurized irrigation networks for vineyards. Along with rising energy prices, the viability of many agricultural plantations in Spain today depends on efficient energy use and appropriate electricity rates. This requires daily monitoring of the operation of irrigation networks.

In vineyard cultivation, managing collective irrigation systems using energy-efficient criteria can result in significant cost savings (over 20%) for the end farmer, which translates into a significant increase in productivity. Currently, various tools are being developed by R&D centers aimed at improving energy consumption figures associated with irrigation through better management of the collective irrigation system, which can result in financial savings for the farmer.

These tools address different aspects of network management to reduce energy consumption. In many cases, they are complementary tools and should be used in combination with their capabilities based on the needs of the Irrigation Entities that manage the collective irrigation network.

The technology for implementing these types of solutions is sufficiently mature in R&D centers, but it needs to be transferred and adapted to farmers so that they become effective users.