Water and energy in Mediterranean rural environments: The nexus in irrigated agriculture
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Secretariat Iamz. cheam. (12/5/2018). Water and energy in Mediterranean rural environments: The nexus in irrigated agriculture. Spain: IAMZ-CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza.
Abstract
Mediterranean rural environments are at the crossroads of the
water-energy nexus. On one hand, the region offers great scope for
the generation of renewable energy, given the intensity of solar
radiation, wind speed and water flows. At the same time,
pressurized irrigation is leading to sharp increases in energy
demand. A paradigmatic example is modernization from surface to
sprinkler/micro irrigation. Whilst major investments have targeted
improving water efficiency, irrigation control and automation, this
has led to a much greater dependence on energy, with significant
implications for rural development, economic growth and
sustainability. In many parts of the Mediterranean region, water
and energy availability are key societal concerns. Innovative
solutions in both technology and policy are thus needed to ensure
future water, energy and food security. Renewable energies, micro
grids and alternate sources of water offer new opportunities for
tackling the trade-offs between water and energy use in agriculture.
