Published Research: Economic Assessment of Large Power Photovoltaic Irrigation Systems in the ECOWAS region

In the framework of research collaboration between the ECREEE and the Universidad Politécnica De Madrid (UPM) on the efficient use of climate change adaptation technologies in water usages (e.g. irrigation supply) (or) storm water/flood management in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) cities. A research on the Economic Assessment of Large Power Photovoltaic Irrigation Systems in the ECOWAS region has been peer published. The research was funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Universidad Politécnica De Madrid (UPM), as technical partner, elaborated a research on the Economic Assessment of Large Power Photovoltaic Irrigation Systems in the ECOWAS Region. The final papers were peer reviewed and published in international journals.

Key extracts:

"The paper evaluates the economic viability of large power PV irrigation systems in the ECOWAS region. Firstly, 7 PV irrigation systems were simulated in stand-alone operation for 7 countries, assuming they would be located in areas with high solar radiation and irrigation needs. It should be noted that these areas are intended to be generic examples of suitable locations, so factors like limited access to water have not been considered for reasons of simplicity. In the same way, only PV irrigation systems without batteries and without any other power sources are considered, therefore they are suitable for farms able to irrigate during the day. The objective of these simulations is to determine the water volume pumped by a given irrigation system, powered by a 380 kWp PV generator, and how much PV energy (PVE) this system would produce over a whole year. Secondly, the viability of the economic investment required for substituting diesel generators or grid-connection points with a PV generator was evaluated through three indicators (NPC, IRR and PBP). Thirdly, the LCOE of the PV-powered systems was estimated and compared with the LCOE of diesel-powered systems and with the national electricity tariffs. Therefore, 4 case studies were considered, depending on whether the irrigation pumps were previously powered with diesel generators or by the national grid, and whether they operate by pumping to a water tank or at constant pressure. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the effect on the profitability of local electricity tariffs, diesel prices and the size of the PV irrigation system."

To read full paper download here.