Harvesting the sun for a sustainable agriculture in Europe
When it comes to sustainable agriculture, energy-efficient solutions play a fundamental role. In this quest for sustainability, the emergence of solar irrigation (SI) is proving to be a game changer. The EU-funded SolAqua project, which concluded in September 2023, has made huge advances in overcoming barriers to the market uptake of SI in Europe and beyond. SolAqua's primary goal was to facilitate the adoption of SI, a technology that combines photovoltaic and hydraulic systems to deliver zero-emission energy for crop irrigation. This innovation not only significantly reduces environmental impact but also offers a cost-effective alternative. According to SolAqua project coordinator Luis Narvarte Fernandez, it can save up to 30 % on water consumption and up to 60 % on electricity costs, compared to traditional fossil fuel-based solutions. Narvarte also sheds light on some of the challenges faced – like the high initial investment required for adopting high-power photovoltaic irrigation systems (PVIS). This is a big barrier to implementing these systems and is why the project also focused on creating conditions for a mature PVIS market. The key strategy was to develop a financing model that negates the initial investment burden on irrigators, making PVIS more accessible. The innovative financing model introduced by SolAqua involves investors owning PVIS and entering into long-term contracts with irrigators for electricity sales at a fixed, reduced price. While this model presented a challenge due to its novelty, the advantages for irrigators played a crucial role in overcoming resistance.
The perks of being solar
SolAqua's impact has been substantial, primarily driven by the implementation and dissemination of key enabling materials and tools. These include technical guides on PVIS, tools for economic and environmental assessment, a financing model based on power purchase agreement (PPA) contracts and a European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) financial instrument to support the financing model. “For example, within the framework of SolAqua, the largest PV irrigation systems in the world have been implemented in Huesca, Spain, with 1.5 MW under a PPA model with a single private investor,” says Narvarte. Furthermore, the EAFRD financial instrument developed by SolAqua found implementation in two European Managing Authorities, with a total budget of EUR 16 million.
Spreading the sun word
Dissemination and communication also played a pivotal role in attracting stakeholders. The project targeted so-called ‘ISINPA’: Irrigators, SMEs installing PVIS, investors, and public authorities. More than 1.2 million irrigators, 257 European SMEs, and 82 investors were reached, creating significant interest and commitment to SI and the SolAqua initiative. SolAqua offered a series of webinars and the EAFRD financial instrument was disseminated among 36 managing authorities and various European institutions. “This has resulted in a database of irrigators interested in installing PVIS with PPA financing for a total of 160 MW, which represents an investment of approximately EUR 16 million,” adds Narvarte. With the project concluded, SolAqua's commitment extends beyond its timeline. Narvarte emphasises the importance of continued support for European institutions and governments managing the EAFRD funds. The aim is to replicate the success of the EAFRD financial instrument across Europe, fostering widespread implementation of PVIS. This, in turn, will contribute significantly to the energy transition within the European agriculture sector. Source: PIMER SL, engineering, installer and maintainer of the SI system.
Keywords
SolAqua, solar irrigation, sustainable agriculture, energy-efficient solutions, photovoltaic irrigation systems