Feasibility of Solar-Powered Groundwater Pumping Systems in Rural Areas of Greater Giyani Municipality (Limpopo, South Africa)
Source abstract
Abstract
Rural areas in Limpopo Province (South Africa) are in urgent need of interventions for safe and secure water supply to adapt to climatic changes and the increased frequency of droughts. A feasibility study was conducted for the adoption of solar-powered groundwater pumping systems and Multiple Water Use Services (MUS) in Greater Giyani Municipality (Limpopo). Stakeholder engagement, geotechnical data and socio-economic information were used in the feasibility study. The Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) tool (GIZ and FAO, 2021) was used to design solar-powered shallow groundwater pumping systems at nine case study sites: four villages (water supply for domestic use) and five small-scale farms. Given the technical design configurations, peak water requirements ranged from 28.8 to 58.9 m3/d, peak power requirements from 1.2 to 3.4 kWp and required solar panel surface areas from 8.0 to 22.3 m2. Viable financial mechanisms for the operation and maintenance of MUS are leasing, cooperatives, informal saving groups and pay-per-use. The adoption of the technology appears to be financially and technically viable to augment the water supply. However, groundwater levels will have to be monitored and water purification plants for drinking water will have to be established to ensure long-term sustainability.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies · Water resources management and optimization · Energy and Environment Impacts
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Earth Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Water Research Commission, Lynwood Bridge Office Park, Pretoria 0081, South Africa
Tsogang Water and Sanitation, P.O. Box 1111, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa
Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD), P.O. Box 1919, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa
Funding
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH · Water Research Commission
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