Hybrid Energy Powered Smart Irrigation System for Smallholder Farmers 

Partners: Aston University (Lead), Bahauddin Zakariya University, E-Works, Effitech Limited, Mirpur University Of Science And Technology, Sawie

Country: Pakistan

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

Stage: Early

Stage: 9

Water scarcity already affects every continent, and the problem is more prominent in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Access to sustainable and cost-effective irrigation systems is key to many small-scale farmers in order to sustain their livelihoods and food security. Running an irrigation system is still extremely challenging. There is still no electricity grid-extension in many rural areas in many developing countries, and farmers have to resort to diesel-based pumping systems. These systems create high operating costs, often experience service gaps, contribute to GHG emissions, and contribute to the energy bill in countries that do not produce such fuels.

This project aims to design, develop and demonstrate a novel “smart irrigation system” powered by “solar and wind energy” simultaneously. This technology is cost effective, and efficient, with no running cost, and zero emission. This will provide energy access to small-scale farmers for irrigation of food and cash crops, and results in an increase in their earnings.