The benefits and risks of solar-powered irrigation: a global overview

The report gives a state-of-the-art overview of policies, regulations and incentives for the sustainable use of solar-powered irrigation technologies (SPIS) around the world. SPIS offer a viable, low-tech energy solution for irrigated agriculture, providing a reliable source of energy in remote areas, contributing to rural electrification, reducing energy costs for irrigation and enabling low emission agriculture. Nevertheless, SPIS have a significant initial investment cost and require innovative financing models to overcome this barrier to adoption, especially for small-scale farmers. Technical knowledge and service infrastructure is needed to ensure that the systems run effectively. Moreover, SPIS – if not adequately managed - bear the risk of fostering unsustainable water use as lower energy costs may lead to over-abstraction of groundwater. This report looks at how different countries work to create an enabling environment for SPIS technologies, while managing the risks that come with it.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	1423211777548 Hartung, H., 187275 FAO, Rome (Italy). Land and Water Div. eng, 186367 Pluschke, L., Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Feldafing (Germany) 1423211777549 ger
Format:	Texto biblioteca
Language:	eng
Published:	Rome (Italy) FAO/GIZ 2018
Subjects:	irrigation systems, solar energy, energy technology, innovation adoption, sustainable development, environmental policies, investment, water management, capacity building,
Online Access:	http://www.fao.org/3/i9047en/I9047EN.pdf
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!