Solar Powered Irrigation Systems in Egypt - Revision history

Ranisha at 19:14, 14 July 2020

2020-07-14T19:14:47Z

Rebecca Navarro: /* Solar Fuel Saver System */

2019-07-21T10:04:48Z

‎Solar Fuel Saver System

Johanna at 11:38, 28 June 2019

2019-06-28T11:38:24Z

Rebecca Navarro: /* Solar Irrigation in Egypt's Agricultural Sector */

2019-06-27T10:01:51Z

‎Solar Irrigation in Egypt's Agricultural Sector

Rebecca Navarro: /* The Agricultural Sector in Egypt */

2019-06-27T10:00:19Z

‎The Agricultural Sector in Egypt

Ranisha: /* Further Information */

2018-05-29T13:09:23Z

‎Further Information

Stefan Eibisch: /* Further Information */

2016-07-11T11:35:29Z

‎Further Information

Stefan Eibisch: /* References */

2016-03-04T14:30:25Z

‎References

Stefan Eibisch: /* Solar Pump Systems in Egypt */

2016-02-10T15:28:23Z

‎Solar Pump Systems in Egypt

Stefan Eibisch: /* References */

2016-02-10T15:27:53Z

‎References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 This article is mainly based on information and documents that were available at the former webpage (raseed-giz.com).<br/>
@@ Line 74: / Line 73: @@
 *[[Egypt Energy Situation|Egypt Energy Situation]]
-*[[Portal:Powering Agriculture|Powering agriculture portal on energypedia]]<br/>
+*[[Portal:Water and Energy for Food|Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) portal on energypedia]]
 *[[Photovoltaic (PV) Pumping Systems for Irrigation|PV Pumping Systems for Irrigation]]<br/>
 *[[Solar Powered Irrigation Systems - Technology, Economy, Impacts|Solar Powered Irrigation Systems - Technology, Economy, Impacts]]
@@ Line 88: / Line 87: @@
 <div></div><div><references /><br/></div>
 [[Category:Powering_Agriculture]]

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 To maximize independence of fuel price fluctuation, a so called Battery Based Hybrid System uses batteries in order to store any excess energy, making it a good option for full- day operations. However, the batteries and their mandatory replacement over time make this system also very cost intensive. In this setup kWp will cost between 33,000 LE to 47,000 LE, with the batteries making up almost half of these costs.<br/>[[File:Battery Based Solar System.png|thumb|left|300px|alt=Battery Based Solar System.png]]<br/>
 === Solar Fuel Saver System<br/> ===
-To avoid fluctuations in the irrigation schedule and to prolong irrigation hours one may prefer a hybrid system, which combines solar and diesel power. A so called solar fuel saver system avoids the aforementioned high battery costs; by using a controller that ensures continues operations. This system costs only around 16,000 LE per kWp and is therefore much cheaper than the battery based hybrid system. However, this system requires a constantly running diesel generator, despite solar energy being the main energy source.<br/>[[File:Solar Fuel Saver System.png|thumb|left|300px|alt=Solar Fuel Saver System.png]]<br/>
+To avoid fluctuations in the irrigation schedule and to prolong irrigation hours one may prefer a hybrid system, which combines solar and diesel power. A so called solar fuel saver system avoids the aforementioned high battery costs; by using a controller that ensures continued operations. This system costs only around 16,000 LE per kWp and is therefore much cheaper than the battery based hybrid system. However, this system requires a constantly running diesel generator, despite solar energy being the main energy source.<br/>[[File:Solar Fuel Saver System.png|thumb|left|300px|alt=Solar Fuel Saver System.png]]<br/>
 === Variable Speed Drive<br/> ===

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 This article is mainly based on information and documents that were available at the former webpage (raseed-giz.com).<br/>
 = The Agricultural Sector in Egypt<br/> =
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 == Costs of Diesel vs. Solar Energy<br/> ==
-However, in comparison with Diesel prices, solar energy is not yet a competitive alternative considering price of input (diesel to solar) only. This is due to the strong subsidization of Diesel by the Egyptian government. The current Diesel price fluctuates between 0.7 and 0.9 LE per kW, while solar power can cost between 0.95 and 1.5 LE. According to calculations, subsidies will have decreased sufficiently within the next 4 years to make solar energy a competitive alternative. Yet, this might already be the case for remote desert farms. A cost calculation that was conducted for a remote desert farm in Bahareyia shows that one kw/h generated from diesel will cost the farm 1, 3 Egyptian Pound (LE) due to the cost of transportation, whereas 1kw/h generated from Photovoltaic (PV) will cost them only 0, 95 LE. With respect to irrigation, this implies that 1m3 of pumped water costs the farm 0, 35 LE when using diesel generators and 0, 19 LE when using solar energy [1]. Using an alternative energy, such as Photovoltaic Systems, is thus more cost-effective for remote desert farms. (For more information see [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxbNeXH1Y54xY3J4RVhwWUpETjQ/view Irrigation Practices in Egypt]).<br/>
+However, in comparison with Diesel prices, solar energy is not yet a competitive alternative considering price of input (diesel to solar) only. This is due to the strong subsidization of Diesel by the Egyptian government. The current Diesel price fluctuates between 0.7 and 0.9 LE per kW, while solar power can cost between 0.95 and 1.5 LE. According to calculations, subsidies will have decreased sufficiently within the next 4 years to make solar energy a competitive alternative. Yet, this might already be the case for remote desert farms. A cost calculation that was conducted for a remote desert farm in Bahareyia shows that one kw/h generated from diesel will cost the farm 1, 3 Egyptian Pound (LE) due to the cost of transportation, whereas 1kw/h generated from Photovoltaic (PV) will cost them only 0, 95 LE. With respect to irrigation, this implies that 1m3 of pumped water costs the farm 0, 35 LE when using diesel generators and 0, 19 LE when using solar energy.<ref>To generate 100 m³ of water per hour, the solar pump has to be driven with around 70kWp. This requires the application of solar panels on an area of around 550m² to 800m².</ref> Using an alternative energy, such as Photovoltaic Systems, is thus more cost-effective for remote desert farms. (For more information see [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxbNeXH1Y54xY3J4RVhwWUpETjQ/view Irrigation Practices in Egypt]).<br/>
 <br/>
 == Solar Irrigation in Egypt's Agricultural Sector<br/> ==
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 <br/>
 = The Initiative 'RaSeed'<br/> =
-For this reason, the German development programme “Agricultural Water Productivity as Adaptation to Climate Change” on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) called into life the initiative ‘RaSeed' [2].&nbsp;The initiative aims to promote the use of Photovoltaic (PV) systems in drip irrigation farming in order to support cost-effective and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the aim is to introduce high capacity solar operated water pumps - of up to a pump size of 100kW - to the Egyptian agricultural sector. Furthermore, soil in the “New Lands” is mostly sandy, and water used for irrigation is ground water. Hence, it is crucial to use water efficient irrigation systems. RaSeed targets farm specific optimization of drip irrigation systems that enable maximum fuel savings and water efficiency by taking into account soil compositions and environmental conditions. In order to further the initiative, a Private Public Partnership (PPP) was established with a solar energy firm ([http://www.aschoff-solar.com/ Ashoff Solar]] that is supported by the multi-donor initiative [[Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development|‘]][[Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development|Powering Agriculture - an Energy Grand Challenge for Development]]’. Together with its partners, RaSeed establishes a network, providing high quality solar energy technology and training in Egypt.<br/>
+For this reason, the German development programme “Agricultural Water Productivity as Adaptation to Climate Change” on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) called into life the initiative ‘RaSeed'.<ref>RaSeed is composed of the words Ra & Seed. Ra refers to the pharaonic god of the sun, which stands for energy and life, while a seed is the basis for all agricultural activities. At the same time, Raseed can be translated to ‘Credit’ in Arabic.</ref> The initiative aims to promote the use of Photovoltaic (PV) systems in drip irrigation farming in order to support cost-effective and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the aim is to introduce high capacity solar operated water pumps - of up to a pump size of 100kW - to the Egyptian agricultural sector. Furthermore, soil in the “New Lands” is mostly sandy, and water used for irrigation is ground water. Hence, it is crucial to use water efficient irrigation systems. RaSeed targets farm specific optimization of drip irrigation systems that enable maximum fuel savings and water efficiency by taking into account soil compositions and environmental conditions. In order to further the initiative, a Private Public Partnership (PPP) was established with a solar energy firm ([http://www.aschoff-solar.com/ Ashoff Solar]] that is supported by the multi-donor initiative [[Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development|‘]][[Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development|Powering Agriculture - an Energy Grand Challenge for Development]]’. Together with its partners, RaSeed establishes a network, providing high quality solar energy technology and training in Egypt.<br/>
 {|
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 |}
 == Solar Pump Systems in Egypt<br/> ==
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 The variable speed drive system is probably the most adequate for the Egyptian agricultural sector. This system uses a variable speed drive that connects and regulates PV Panels and the diesel generator. Depending on solar irradiation and the size of the power plant, the diesel generator can be turned off completely. Furthermore, the variable speed drive system is the most cost efficient, with 15,000 LE per kWp.<br/><br/>[[File:Variable Speed Drive system.png|thumb|left|300px|alt=Variable Speed Drive system.png]]<br/>
 == <span lang="en-us"><font size="3">Pilot Projects</font></span><br/> ==
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 <br/>
 = Further Information<br/> =
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 *[[Portal:Powering Agriculture|Powering agriculture portal on energypedia]]<br/>
 *[[Photovoltaic (PV) Pumping Systems for Irrigation|PV Pumping Systems for Irrigation]]<br/>
-*[[Solar_Powered_Irrigation_Systems_-_Technology,_Economy,_Impacts|Solar Powered Irrigation Systems - Technology, Economy, Impacts]]
+*[[Solar Powered Irrigation Systems - Technology, Economy, Impacts|Solar Powered Irrigation Systems - Technology, Economy, Impacts]]
 *[[Toolbox on SPIS|Toolbox on Solar Powered Irrigation Systems]]
 = References<br/> =
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 *[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxbNeXH1Y54xY3J4RVhwWUpETjQ/view Manual for Irrigation Practices in Egypt]<br/>
 *[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxbNeXH1Y54xc3FzcmhaTUtrTjA/view Study on Solar Energy vs. Diesel on Pilot Farm]<br/>
-<div><br/>--<br/></div><div>[1] To generate 100 m³ of water per hour, the solar pump has to be driven with around 70kWp. This requires the application of solar panels on an area of around 550m² to 800m².<br/>----<div id="ftn1">[2]''&nbsp;RaSeed'' is composed of the words ''Ra'' & ''Seed''. ''Ra'' refers to the pharaonic god of the sun, which stands for energy and life, while a ''seed'' is the basis for all agricultural activities. At the same time, ''Raseed'' can be translated to ‘Credit’ in Arabic.<br/><br/></div></div>
+<div></div><div><references /><br/></div>
 [[Category:Egypt]]

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 <br/>
 == Solar Irrigation in Egypt's Agricultural Sector<br/> ==
-With 96&nbsp;% of desert land, a high frequency of clear sky days and solar radiations ranging from 2000 kW/h in the north up to 2600 kW/h (m²/year) in the south, Egypt is one of the most potential countries in the MENA region for solar energy. The introduction of solar powered pumps presents an opportunity to abandon non-sustainable and non-reliable fossil fuel powered generators. Furthermore, the implementation of solar powered irrgiation helps overcoming the risk from fluctuations in both fuel and supply prices, and instead guarantees stable and reliable on farm energy supply. Therewith, crop losses that result from insufficient irrigation are avoided.<br/>
+With 96&nbsp;% of desert land, a high frequency of clear sky days and solar radiations ranging from 2000 kW/h in the north up to 2600 kW/h (m²/year) in the south, Egypt is one of the most potential countries in the MENA region for solar energy. The introduction of solar powered pumps presents an opportunity to abandon non-sustainable and non-reliable fossil fuel powered generators. Furthermore, the implementation of solar powered irrigation helps overcoming the risk from fluctuations in both fuel and supply prices, and instead guarantees stable and reliable on farm energy supply. Therewith, crop losses that result from insufficient irrigation are avoided.<br/>
 <br/>

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 This article is mainly based on information and documents that were available at the former webpage (raseed-giz.com).<br/>
 = The Agricultural Sector in Egypt<br/> =
-About 54% of [[Egypt Energy Situation|Egypt’s]] working population is employed in the agricultural sector, making agriculture key for the country’s development. However, agriculture in Egypt is aggravated by low rainfalls, relative low humidity (except for the coast) hot climate and the fact that water quality and volume of the Nile is constantly decreasing. Furthermore, 90&nbsp;% of farmers work on lands of about 5 Feddan or less (1 Feddan = 0, 42 Acres). These factors entail that the Delta region has become less attractive for agricultural use and is instead being used to accommodate Egypt’s rapidly growing population. Therefore, and to meet the rising food demand; in the past 5 to 10 ears agribusinesses were forced to reclaim desert lands (the so called “new lands”) for agricultural use in the western desert and other desert areas. Yet, very high evapotranspiration and sandy soils usually require frequently water application to ensure that the water will not leach towards deeper soil layers where it will be unreachable for the crops. This makes [[Energy for Agriculture#Irrigation|irrigation agriculture]] inevitable in Egypt.<br/><br/>
+About 54% of [[Egypt Energy Situation|Egypt’s]] working population is employed in the agricultural sector, making agriculture key for the country’s development. However, agriculture in Egypt is aggravated by low rainfalls, relative low humidity (except for the coast) hot climate and the fact that water quality and volume of the Nile is constantly decreasing. Furthermore, 90&nbsp;% of farmers work on lands of about 5 Feddan or less (1 Feddan = 0, 42 Acres). These factors entail that the Delta region has become less attractive for agricultural use and is instead being used to accommodate Egypt’s rapidly growing population. Therefore, and to meet the rising food demand; in the past 5 to 10 years agribusinesses were forced to reclaim desert lands (the so called “new lands”) for agricultural use in the western desert and other desert areas. Yet, very high evapotranspiration and sandy soils usually require frequently water application to ensure that the water will not leach towards deeper soil layers where it will be unreachable for the crops. This makes [[Energy for Agriculture#Irrigation|irrigation agriculture]] inevitable in Egypt.<br/><br/>
 == Rising Diesel Prices<br/> ==
@@ Line 21: / Line 22: @@
 <br/>
 = The Initiative 'RaSeed'<br/> =

@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 | [[File:New Lands.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=New Lands.jpg]]
 |}
 == Solar Pump Systems in Egypt<br/> ==
-There are different options available when it comes to solar pump systems for irrigation. Generally speaking, the most commonly used PV cells are polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells. RaSeed opted for polycrystalline cells, although, monocrystalline cells are the most efficient ones. However, given that most of the farms in Egypt are located in remote desert areas, far away from on-grid systems and in-house cabling, polycrystalline cells have a better cost-efficiency ratio. Which solar pump system is best suited depends on various external factors. (For further information see [http://raseed-giz.com/infomaterials/ Practical Guidelines for Solar Punp Systems in Egypt]) Stand-alone solar pump systems for direct irrigation offer a very simple solution, with the pump and a solar inverter being directly connected. However, this system does not provide a backup power source. Therefore, three different and more advanced solar pump systems were made available by the partnering firms:<br/>
+There are different options available when it comes to solar pump systems for irrigation. Generally speaking, the most commonly used PV cells are polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells. RaSeed opted for polycrystalline cells, although, monocrystalline cells are the most efficient ones. However, given that most of the farms in Egypt are located in remote desert areas, far away from on-grid systems and in-house cabling, polycrystalline cells have a better cost-efficiency ratio. Which solar pump system is best suited depends on various external factors. Stand-alone solar pump systems for direct irrigation offer a very simple solution, with the pump and a solar inverter being directly connected. However, this system does not provide a backup power source. Therefore, three different and more advanced solar pump systems were made available by the partnering firms:<br/>
 === Battery Based System<br/> ===
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 The variable speed drive system is probably the most adequate for the Egyptian agricultural sector. This system uses a variable speed drive that connects and regulates PV Panels and the diesel generator. Depending on solar irradiation and the size of the power plant, the diesel generator can be turned off completely. Furthermore, the variable speed drive system is the most cost efficient, with 15,000 LE per kWp.<br/><br/>[[File:Variable Speed Drive system.png|thumb|left|300px|alt=Variable Speed Drive system.png]]<br/>
 == <span lang="en-us"><font size="3">Pilot Projects</font></span><br/> ==