Optimising Energy Demand in Rural Communities via Precision Agriculture Technology (SWIFT) 

Partners: Lenké Space And Water Solutions Ltd (Lead), Arba Minch University, Crop Health And Protection Limited

Country: Ethiopia

Technology: Smart green grids, including mini and main grid technologies

Stage: Early 

Stage: 9

Due to the high irrigation and related energy load requirements of farmers growing horticulture crops, ability to analyse historical and future irrigation/energy demand is crucial to assess feasibility/develop mini-grids and monitor energy-demand fluctuations during implementation.

This project will upscale SWIFT (Soil Water Index Forecasting Technology) to provide historical and future irrigation demand at 10m HR and 2meter depth via AI powered system and EO aided crop detection method to project energy demand, assess the applicable energy sources mix (hydro/solar/wind) and provided detailed mini-grid design. By producing a technology that will de-risk mini-grid developments via the reliable, affordable and efficient information it supplies, SWIFT will incentivise investors to enter the rural electrification energy market in sub-Sharan countries.