Management requirements of photovoltaic pumping systems for irrigation in Jordan
- Publication Type
- Contribution to conference
- Authors
- Spreer W, Müller J
- Year of publication
- 2007
- Page (from - to)
- 1-10
- Conference name
- 5th Conferencia Internacional de Energia Renovable, Ahorro de Energia y Educaccion Energetica, CIER
- Conference location
- Habana (Cuba)
- Conference date
- 01.10.2007
In this study, experiences of photovoltaic pumping for irrigation in Jordan in the framework of the GTZ - project "Resource conserving irrigation by using Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVPS)" are presented. Based on the knowledge gained from different project countries the suitability for the country-specific socio-economic set up has been examined. A cost comparison was carried out as a first estimation of the economic viability. PVPS with an average pumping cost of 0.011 JOD/m4 are still more expensive than a conventional pumping system driven by a combustion engine.
Most important non quantifiable factors, which are discussed, are reliability and environmental friendliness of PVPS and the close relation of these pumping systems with water saving methods of irrigation and the need of a high use level. Direct injection systems without energy storage facilities have been tested. Uniformity tests of the operating systems were carried out, showing that direct injection does not impose any limitations on exact distribution of irrigation water.
In conclusion it can be stated, that there is no technical limitation for the application of PVPS for irrigation in Jordan. However, the low price of fossil fuels and the insecure future of Jordan's agricultural production, are important factors which will limit the readiness of farmers to invest in energy saving pumping systems. Government as well as national and international institutions are therefore required to support this new technology, as many of its advantages have an impact rather on the macro than on the micro economic level.