The deployment of solar water pumps has transformative effects on communities facing water scarcity. Improved water access enhances the quality of life for residents, while reduced water pumping costs allow farmers to invest in other agricultural inputs. Access to clean water improves public health and hygiene, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, writes Fayyaz Ashraf, Managing Director, Solartive Techno Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Water scarcity is a pressing development challenge, affecting 2.4 billion people in water-stressed countries, including small farmers, women, indigenous people, migrants, and refugees. Freshwater resources per person have dropped by 20 percent over the past two decades, and water availability and quality are deteriorating due to misuse, lack of coordinated management, over-abstraction of groundwater, pollution, and climate change.
Solar: The Ray of Hope
Despite progress in improving access to clean drinking water, millions of people, particularly those in rural areas, still face deprivation. India’s water demand is projected to double by 2030, affecting millions and negatively impacting its GDP. Groundwater is vital for agriculture, industry, and population needs, but over-extraction poses challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management to ensure long-term availability.
Solving the water crisis is essential for sustainable development goals (SDGs). The availability of energy to mechanize water pumping greatly influences water availability and convenience. India’s growing solar water pump market demonstrates its importance in the Indian ecosystem. Photovoltaic submersible pump systems provide reliable water access during power outages in remote areas, reducing electric grid dependence and ensuring continuous supply.
Solar Pumps: Game-Changer in Water Management
Solar pumps are a revolutionary solution for farm water management, using renewable energy as a more environmentally friendly alternative. They have various applications in agriculture, including irrigation, livestock watering, and home use. Despite initial investment, solar pumps offer long-term cost benefits by reducing energy bills and maintenance expenses. They are durable, require minimal maintenance, and can be installed in remote areas without a power grid, increasing water supply and irrigation capabilities. They also survive extreme weather conditions, making them a reliable water management option.
The deployment of solar water pumps has transformative effects on communities facing water scarcity. Improved water access enhances the quality of life for residents, while reduced water pumping costs allow farmers to invest in other agricultural inputs. Access to clean water improves public health and hygiene, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. Solar water pumps empower communities by providing them with the tools to manage their water resources sustainably. Overall, solar water pumps offer a sustainable solution to water scarcity.
Transformation of Irrigation
India has 17.5 lakh sq km of arable land, with 30 million groundwater pumps used for irrigation. Only a few states have implemented solar-powered pumps, including Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar. Solar pumps are deployed through the PM-KUSUM scheme or state schemes.
The adoption of solar-powered irrigation reduces electricity subsidies for agriculture, reduces oil import bills, and reduces diesel consumption by 1.38 billion liters per annum. Since both the government and people are seeking effective water scarcity solutions in solar water pumps, their market in India is expected to grow from INR 34,332.7 lakh in 2023 to INR 1,82,378 lakh by 2031, supported by government schemes like PM KUSUM.
The government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 32 million tons through solarized irrigation. Off-grid solarization of pumps can reduce transmission and distribution losses by up to 20 percent. Solar pumps offer a reliable energy source, cost-effective, and environment-friendly alternative for irrigation, especially in remote areas where electricity is still a privilege. A recent study by ICA and IIEC in Haryana and Chhattisgarh showed that solar pumps reduce farmers’ daily workload, improve farming productivity, and increase average income.
Conclusion
Solar water pumps represent a vital tool in the fight against water scarcity. By harnessing renewable solar energy, they offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to water pumping challenges. Their deployment can significantly improve water access, agricultural productivity, public health, and economic resilience in water-scarce regions. As the world continues to grapple with water scarcity, the role of solar water pumps in ensuring a sustainable water future cannot be overlooked.