The image depicts a sun-drenched African agricultural landscape transformed by solar-powered irrigation. In the foreground, modern solar panels power an efficient irrigation system, with water sprinklers visible across lush green crop rows. A farmer tends to the thriving fields, while traditional African huts and a small village in the background highlight the contrast between innovative technology and rural settings. This visual representation effectively illustrates the African Development Bank's initiative to implement sustainable, solar-powered irrigation systems in rural African communities.

Solar Energy for Water: Accelerating Adoption in Sudan

Solar Energy for Water

Let’s talk solar energy for water. For the African Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a grant to the government of Sudan. All for accelerating adopting solar-powered irrigation pumps to provide solar energy for water. This is to be located in the countries West Kordofan and North Kordofan states.

In addition, one solar energy system was recently installed in Kenya, Africa. All to create actual clean water.

In Kiunga and Kenya they have been forced to drink, cook and also bathe in contaminated, brackish water for years.

In 2018, GivePower, a nonprofit that provides solar energy solutions to regions that need it most. It installed its first-ever solar water farm. All which has been providing clean water to 35,000 people every single day.

Solar Energy to Water Farm through desalination

The solar energy for water farm turns the salt water of the Indian Ocean into clean drinking water. That’s through its advanced filtration systems. For the main issue is that water plants cost a lot to run. However, solar panels have helped solve this issue.

The image depicts a sun-drenched African agricultural landscape transformed by solar-powered irrigation. In the foreground, modern solar panels power an efficient irrigation system, with water sprinklers visible across lush green crop rows. A farmer tends to the thriving fields, while traditional African huts and a small village in the background highlight the contrast between innovative technology and rural settings. This visual representation effectively illustrates the African Development Bank's initiative to implement sustainable, solar-powered irrigation systems in rural African communities.

GivePower’s solar water farm harvests solar energy using its solar panels. These are able to produce 50 kilowatts of energy and power two water pumps that run 24 hours a day.

Back to Solar Energy for Water Irrigation

In addition, the project will also enable farmers’ adoption of renewable energy technology. As a result and through the installation of 1,170 photovoltaic (PV) irrigation pumps. As well as the establishment of maintenance and repair workshops for the pumps. Finally and the supply of equipment for a pump testing laboratory; all providing certification and training. This idea of solar energy for water is amazing!

As we know, solar PV systems emit zero carbon dioxide during operation. Thus solar PV can shut down the primary driving force behind global warming and climate change. What about the energy used to make PV panels? If fossil fuels are used to make PV panels, then why can’t we use solar energy for water? Ok? It’s good. Because those fuels will also emit carbon dioxide. Not solar energy for water.  There’s enough solar energy for water you can give your old panels to the Sudan. There is enough solar energy. Believe it!!

Studies have shown that it takes 2 to 2.5 years of operation for a crystalline silicon PV panel’s output to match the energy used to make the panel. If you need get used cheaper in the Sudan.

African Development Bank approving solar irrigation for Sudan

All for Agriculture too

Agriculture is an important economic sector in Sudan. In 2016, nearly 40% of the country’s GDP came from farming. For the sector, and for the wider economy, the project offers significant and numerous knock-on benefits. Farmers will realize the cost-efficiency from no longer needing to purchase diesel. More over because it’s an already scarce commodity in these rural areas.

Mr. Paul Baldeh, the Bank’s Director for Power Systems Development, noted that “by extending farmers a grant covering 75% of installation costs, the government and with the African Development Bank support”. Then they will overcome the most significant hurdle of adopting clean PV technology. It’s high upfront costs.  For the remaining 25% will be payable in installments over three years.

Furthermore, he added that the irrigation pumps project will conduct a ground water survey. In addition, a sustainability assessment that will also inform the development of further projects in Sudan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this African Development Bank project meets the Sudanese government’s renewable energy and poverty reduction objectives. That’s as well as the Bank’s High Five and Energy Sector Policy. Moreover, the solar irrigation pumps project has strong potential. Finally; to be replicated and scaled up in other parts of the country.

Source: African Development Bank Group, Sudan, 23-Dec-2019 and Chibuisiikawuagu.wordpress.com

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