Standardization of Irrigation Systems in MENA

In 2012, Econoler was hired by the GGF Technical Assistance Facility (GGF-TAF) to conduct a study to explore the energy-saving and CO2 reduction potential in the agricultural sector of five countries in a selected target region. In 2013 and 2016, Econoler carried out follow-up studies, which confirmed that the previously developed standard measures for agricultural equipment could be implemented in the other eight countries in the target region as well as in three countries in the MENA region with regards to tractors. All measures were integrated into the eSave software as standard measures, thus allowing the GGF to use the tool to make automatic calculation of EE and CO2 emission reductions without conducting energy audits.   Because of the significant importance of agriculture in the MENA region, the TAF Manager extended the previously conducted studies on replacement of irrigation systems to the MENA region, namely Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories. In addition, an investigation of solar pumps’ potential in the region was included.

The main objective of this research work was to assess the market potential, and the energy and water savings and CO2 reduction potential and define suitable calculation baselines for irrigation systems in the target countries. The proposed measures were integrated into the eSave software as standard measures for the MENA countries to allow for automatically calculating savings and facilitate identifying the eligible EE measures. As part of the assignment,  the following main tasks were carried out:

• Assessing the market potential for replacing irrigation systems in the target countries;
• Assessing the target countries’ eligibility for the GGF activities;
• Assessing potential savings resulting from implementation of the identified EE measures.

  Econoler’s analysis confirmed the eligibility and market potential of irrigation-related EE and water-saving measures in the target countries. Upon completion of this assignment, Econoler provided the GGF project team with a user-friendly algorithm for determining water, energy and CO2 savings potential with simple inputs that can be easily integrated into the existing eSave software tool used by loan officers in the partner financial institutions.