Impact of climate change on energy need and cost of sustainable electrified irrigation

Paper in proceeding, 2025

This study investigates the impact of climate change on the energy requirements and installation costs of electrified irrigation systems in the small village of Tabagwe, Rwanda. With global temperatures projected to rise by 1.6 C to 2.4 C by 2050, the study examines how these changes affect water needs and energy consumption for irrigation. Using a combination of the FAO model for water requirements and a linear optimisation model for energy systems, the research evaluates three temperature scenarios and their implications. Results indicate that water requirements could increase by up to 13% during peak months, leading to a corresponding rise in energy demand and system costs of 6% for the highest temperature scenario. The study also explores the viability of solar/battery and solar/biodiesel hybrid systems, highlighting the benefits and challenges of each. The findings underscore the necessity for adaptive strategies in designing sustainable irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change.