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Building Forward Better

The use of solar energy in irrigated agriculture
Self-administered course

About the course

 

Due to the increasing demand for energy from urban centers, the agricultural sector is struggling with energy supply. The limited availability of electricity in many rural areas and frequent shortages often disrupt the power supply needed to lift and pump irrigation water. Therefore, renewable energy can play a critical role in providing farmers with a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy source.

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the design, operation, and major components of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPISs) and is divided into two modules:

  • Module 1: Introduction to on-farm irrigation system
  • Module 2: Solar energy for irrigation

System requirements

This course can be accessed online, clicking on the links below, without registration. It runs on the latests versions of major browsers, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari.

Audience

This course targets professionals, technicians and decision makers from relevant ministries, research institutes, and national institutions operating in the field of irrigation, energy and water management.

Module 1: Introduction to on-farm irrigation system

    Learning objectives

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    • Explain and recognize different on-farm irrigation systems
    • Identify all the components of different on-farm irrigation systems and their characteristics
    • Describe different types of cropping pattern
    • Acknowledge the connections between cropping pattern and water requirements
      Structure of the course
      • Section 1. On-farm irrigation systems overview
      • Section 2. Components of on-farm irrigation systems
      • Section 3. Cropping patterns and water requirements

      Module 2: Solar energy for irrigation

      Learning objectives

      Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

      • Understand the importance of renewable and solar energy and the composition of global energy markets
      • Be able to identify the resources required to produce non-renewable and different renewable energy
      • Comprehend the global transition process from traditional to renewable energy
      • Learn about the components of solar energy and related systems
      • Acknowledge the connections between solar energy and water supply systems
      Structure of the course

      Section 1. Introduction to energy sources

      • Chapter 1. Overview of energy sources
      • Chapter 2. The role of energy in agriculture

      Section 2. Fundamentals and essentials of solar energy

      • Chapter 1. Solar basic characteristics
      • Chapter 2. Solar and pumping systems essentials
      • Chapter 3. Design criteria

      Section 3. Solar-powered irrigation systems configuration

      Thematic area

      Published in April 2023

      Duration of module 1: 20-30 minutes

      Duration of module 2: 40-60 minutes