Can renewable energy technologies improve the management of stressed water resources threatened by climate change
Date
2012
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Abstract
This work addresses increasing concerns about water management for rural
productive activities in the vast dry regions of Latin America by assessing renewable
energy technologies (RETs) that could be suitable for localized needs. Forecasted trends in
climate change and variability make this analysis very relevant, in an area where very little
published work exists. While Argentina is widely known for its fertile pampas, around 75
% of the country consists of dry lands. In addition, erosion is increasing by up to 650,000
hectares each year. The coordinated adoption of a set of actions, including land use
planning and strengthening productive activities that guarantee access to water and
improve water and soil management is needed. Renewable energies could help towards
achieving these aims, if water is made available at affordable costs and with suitable
technologies. This paper evaluates experiences with three RETs—photovoltaic pumping
from deep wells, small wind turbine pumping, and high-power wind turbines, and discusses
a potential role for use in rural Argentina. Although cheaper and more reliable renewable
alternatives to energy sources such as diesel could be used for pumping from groundwater
resources in isolated locations, limitations arise when pumping head and/or water volume
requirements are large or highly seasonal. The cost increases and technical challenges of
accessing this deeper water, as indicated by case studies, emphasize the importance of
planning and support schemes development.
Description
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Journal Article (peer-reviewed)
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Keywords
WATER PUMPING, WATER STRESS, CLIMATE CHANGE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, ARGENTINA, ARID AND SEMI-ARID AREAS, EROSION
Citation
Nadal, G. H., Bravo, G., Girardin, L. O., & Gortari, S. (2013). Can renewable energy technologies improve
the management of stressed water resources threatened by climate change? Argentine drylands case study. Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 15 (1). doi:10.1007/s10668-012-9427-8