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Feasibility of Utilizing Photovoltaics for Irrigation Purposes in Moamba, Mozambique

Author

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  • Arsénio José Mindú

    (Physics Department, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Pedagogical University of Maputo, Maputo 1102, Mozambique)

  • Jó António Capece

    (Physics Department, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Pedagogical University of Maputo, Maputo 1102, Mozambique)

  • Rui Esteves Araújo

    (INESC TEC, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Armando C. Oliveira

    (INEGI, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

Agriculture plays a significant role in the labor force and GDP of Mozambique. Nonetheless, the energy source massively used for water pumping in irrigation purposes is based on fossil fuels (diesel oil). Despite the water availability and fertile soils in Moamba, Mozambique, farmers struggle with the high cost of fuels used in the pumping systems. This study was sought to analyze the feasibility of utilizing a solar photovoltaic system as a means to reduce the environmental impact caused by the diesel pumps and simultaneously alleviate the expenses regarding the use of non-environmentally friendly technologies. Site observations and interviews were undertaken in order to obtain local data regarding the water demand, current energy systems costs and distances from the source to the irrigated fields. CLIMWAT 2.0 was used for climate data acquisition and analysis. The environmental benefits, the cost effectiveness and local climate conditions show that the PV system is feasible in Moamba. Furthermore, parameters such as hydraulic energy, incident solar energy, pump efficiency and total system efficiency were used to predict the performance of the system. The results obtained are important to analyze the implementation of such energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Arsénio José Mindú & Jó António Capece & Rui Esteves Araújo & Armando C. Oliveira, 2021. "Feasibility of Utilizing Photovoltaics for Irrigation Purposes in Moamba, Mozambique," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:10998-:d:649654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mahumane, Gilberto & Mulder, Peter, 2015. "Mozambique Energy Outlook, 2015-2030. Data, scenarios and policy implications," MPRA Paper 65968, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    Cited by:

    1. Juan Ignacio Herraiz & Rita Hogan Almeida & Manuel Castillo-Cagigal & Luis Narvarte, 2023. "Experimental Performance Evaluation of a PV-Powered Center-Pivot Irrigation System for a Three-Year Operation Period," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Qüinny Soares Rocha & Rafaele Almeida Munis & Richardson Barbosa Gomes da Silva & Elí Wilfredo Zavaleta Aguilar & Danilo Simões, 2023. "Photovoltaic Solar Energy in Forest Nurseries: A Strategic Decision Based on Real Options Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-11, February.
    3. Rakeshkumar Mahto & Deepak Sharma & Reshma John & Chandrasekhar Putcha, 2021. "Agrivoltaics: A Climate-Smart Agriculture Approach for Indian Farmers," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-28, November.
    4. Faakhar Raza & Muhammad Tamoor & Sajjad Miran & Waseem Arif & Tayybah Kiren & Waseem Amjad & Muhammad Imtiaz Hussain & Gwi-Hyun Lee, 2022. "The Socio-Economic Impact of Using Photovoltaic (PV) Energy for High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, February.

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