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Technical Feasibility Of Using Solar Energy In Smallscale Irrigation In Tillabéri, Niger Republic

Author

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  • Illiassou Naroua
  • Abdoulkadri Laouali
  • Abdoulsalam Koroney

Abstract

The objective of this work is to analyze the technical feasibility of solar pumping systems for their expansion in small-scale irrigation in Tillabéri (Niger Republic). The study area concerned all irrigable listed land in that region. The agro-climatic data, contained in the CLIMWAT 2.0 software, allowed to analyze the environment’s solar energy potential on the one hand, and to estimate the tomato, onion, potato and pepper crops water needs by using the CROPWAT 8.0 software, on the other hand. The solar energy requirements, the power of the photovoltaic generator and the number of required panels by the generator to cover the crops water needs during the peak periods, were determined according to the total hydraulic head to be overcome by the pumping system. This results in monthly average sunshine duration values ranging from 7 hours/day in August to 8.5 hours/day in May. The solar energy is 5 kWh/m2 /day in December and 6.22 kWh/m2 /day in May. The required energy for the irrigation water lifting during the peak periods, the power of the photovoltaic generator and the number of panels required for the generator varied according to the total hydraulic head (Ht) across different crops. Thus, for Ht between 15-120 m, the required energy varies between 3.62-29.00 kWh/day/ha for tomato; 3.56- 28.48 kWh/day/ha for onion; 3.23-25.83 kWh/ha/day for potato and 2.74-21.89 kWh/day/ha for pepper. The required power for the photovoltaic generator varies between 1.08-8.64 kW/ha for tomato; 1.06-8.48 kW/ha for onion; 0.96-7.69 kW/ha for potato and 0.82-6.52 kW/ha for pepper. Likewise, the number of panels varies between 4-27 panels/ha for tomato and onion; 4-25 panels/ha for potato and 3-21 panels/ha for pepper. These results indicate a considerable solar energy potential, characterized by a relatively high duration of sunshine throughout the year and a high energy production capacity per square meter. This would promote the proper functioning of the solar pumping systems as well as their expansion. However, the cost of acquiring the panels required for the generator can be an obstacle to the expansion of this technology, especially in conditions of considerable groundwater depth.

Suggested Citation

  • Illiassou Naroua & Abdoulkadri Laouali & Abdoulsalam Koroney, 2022. "Technical Feasibility Of Using Solar Energy In Smallscale Irrigation In Tillabéri, Niger Republic," International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, Malwa International Journals Publication, vol. 8(6), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ijaeri:333371
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.333371
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lefore, N. & Closas, Alvar & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Solar for all: a framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 154:112313..
    2. Otoo, Miriam & Lefore, Nicole & Schmitter, Petra & Barron, Jennie & Gebregziabher, Gebrehaweria, 2018. "Business model scenarios and suitability: smallholder solar pump-based irrigation in Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management – Making a Business Case for Smallholders," IWMI Reports 273354, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Lefore, Nicole & Closas, Alvar & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Solar for all: A framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    4. Miriam Otoo & Nicole Lefore & Petra Schmitter & Jennie Barron & Gebrehaweria Gebregziabher, 2018. "Business model scenarios and suitability: smallholder solar pump-based irrigation in Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management – Making a Business Case for Smallholders (IWMI Research Report 172)," IWMI Research Reports H048583, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Closas, Alvar & Rap, Edwin, 2017. "Solar-based groundwater pumping for irrigation: Sustainability, policies, and limitations," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 33-37.
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