Abstract
ABSTRACT In vulnerable water basins, unregulated access to solar energy and groundwater can threaten water security through increased abstractions. Public and development agencies are therefore exploring options to provide farmers with additional income from solar farming while protecting groundwater resources. Solar energy farming is combined with attractive purchase guarantees in order to encourage farmers to efficiently use solar energy on-farm and sell the energy excess. This article evaluates a project from the Azraq Basin in Jordan, and presents similar international experiences, particularly from India. It assesses solar energy farming as an innovation from a water-energy-food nexus perspective.
Highlights
Energy–land integration is increasing in developed as well as developing countries
The use of solar energy on farmland shows a diversity of approaches that address objectives such as renewables dissemination, water use efficiency or agricultural productivity
A successful livelihood change is often gradual, while change risks and the capacities of farmers need to be addressed in any change process
Summary
Energy–land integration is increasing in developed as well as developing countries. Societal challenges such as climate change impacts, the need to increase clean energy and reduce emissions, as well as rapid population and economic growth have caused additional demands for food, water, and energy. According to the technical feasibility study, depending on the financing of SEF projects, farmers can earn at least four times the annual income from agriculture (around €250 per dunum – 1,000 square metres – per year) if they dedicate their farm land to selling solar power This assumption used a feedin tariff of €0.13 per kWh, a 5% interest rate, and no subsidies for the fixed costs (Renac 2012). The 2012 Azraq project did not allow solar energy for on-farm use, future projects might choose to include this option and link it to improved monitoring and irrigation practices In this way, SEF can lead to a higher water and land productivity, and higher incomes and contributions to food security strategies. Do not emerge if there is no attractive PPA for SEF, since farmers cannot pay for the services later on
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