Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Solar-Powered Irrigation in the Middle East

Abstract

The reduction of fossil fuel consumption is widely supported across various sectors. The agriculture sector presents a significant opportunity for sustainable solutions, electricity consumption is substantial for water pumping and irrigation. Solar power emerges as a promising alternative, particularly in the Middle East, renowned for its abundant solar resources. This study conducts a financial assessment integrating solar power into agricultural irrigation within the region. The proposed solar water system utilizes monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules to power a centrifugal pump, transferring water from 10-meter-deep wells to a 40 m3 surface tank. This system, with an initial investment cost of $25,058, was analyzed for economic feasibility in four locations: Bahtim (Egypt), Suwyban (United Arab Emirates), Ash Shibaniyah (Qatar), and Wadi Al Dawaserm (Saudi Arabia). Among these locations, the United Arab Emirate stands out for its substantial exposure to solar radiation, averaging 175 kWh/m2/day. The study emphasizes the importance of site-specific analysis over solely relying on a nation's economic status. Simulations conducted using the PVSYST program revealed that while the system performs less effectively in the Gulf regions due to the extreme temperatures, it achieves a high performance of 67.9% in Egypt. The system proves to be quite profitable in Egypt, with a payback period of 7.8 years and a net present value of $7175.37. The successful implementation of this solution fosters collaboration between stakeholders, decision-makers, and Egyptian authorities, collectively contributing to environmental protection by transitioning agriculture away from fossil fuel reliance.