Economic results of the five MASLOWATEN demonstrators

Abstract

MASLOWATEN Project aims at the large scale demonstration of the technical and economic feasibility of efficient and intermittency-free PV pumping systems for irrigation, allowing 100% renewable energy consumption. The main objectives of the Project are (i) to reduce 30 % of the water consumption, (ii) to achieve significant savings (at least 50%) for the farmers, in terms of energy costs and (iii) the market uptake and replication of a new green product consisting of PV Irrigation systems consuming 100% renewable electricity. In fact, MASLOWATEN Project has currently 5 demonstrators operating in the facilities of four different types of end-users: farmers, cooperatives, irrigator communities and agro-industries. The technology developed in the scope of the Project was then adapted to the reality of each farm and not the other way around which, in turn, makes clear the possibility to adapt the referred technology to each farmer?s reality. According to the Technical Specifications developed under MASLOWATEN project four criteria need to be met in a PV irrigation system: a) Integration of the PV system in the pre-existing irrigation system; b) Ability to support problems related to the PV power intermittences; c) Matching PV production and irrigation/water needs; and d) Ensuring the reliability of the system for at least 25 years.