Solar pumps are poised to revolutionize global access to water

As the use of solar technology expands, the launch of solar powered water pumps is expected to significantly increase the availability of safe drinking water around the world. Groundwater—the water stored between rocks underground—contributes nearly 99 percent of the unfrozen fresh water found on Earth. In Africa, where many do not have access to clean drinking water, there is thought to be about 20 times more groundwater than that in lakes and reservoirs. And yet, many countries on the continent face severe water shortages, with many communities lacking the equipment to access water just a few meters underground.

About half of the world’s population currently relies on groundwater for drinking, demonstrating the huge potential to tap into this supply in other regions. It is much more reliable than surface water during periods of drought, making it a critical water source on a warming planet.

Scientists have long discussed the potential of deploying solar-powered water pumps in areas without access to clean water to support community needs, including providing access to drinking water and water for crop irrigation. Solar water pumps are accompanied by a set of solar panels that convert the sun’s rays into electricity to run the pump. Pipes then transport water from the source to wherever it needs to go, such as a purification system or storage tank. Installing solar water pumps in rural and arid regions can help communities gain access to life-saving drinking water, as well as expand agricultural activities to grow food.

Projects of this nature are attracting increasing interest because there is great potential to change the lives of millions of people using new clean technologies. The projects are gaining ground at a time when groundwater mapping on the African continent is easier than ever. This is a topic to be discussed at the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) World Groundwater Congress in Davos, Switzerland this week.

However, scientists are concerned about the potential downfalls that could come with the launch of solar pumps, which must be mitigated to ensure the projects’ success. One challenge is the potential overexploitation of the solar system, which could deplete already scarce water sources. This is of particular concern in the arid locations of parts of Asia, the Middle East and the US. Furthermore, this technology cannot be used in all regions of Africa, especially in rural communities located on top of ancient cliffs, where water is more difficult to access.

To avoid overexploitation, scientists suggest that hand pumps and low-efficiency solar pumps should continue to be used alongside large solar pumps. This equipment can help communities gain access to potable water while avoiding depleting their water supply. Meanwhile, low-efficiency solar pumps can be used in locations where water production is low, allowing water to be pumped throughout the day and stored for use as needed.

Professor Alan MacDonald, Head of Groundwater at the British Geological Survey explicitly“I would invite everyone to see this ‘solar groundwater pumping revolution’ in terms of equity. Through this lens, we have the chance to ensure that this precious resource is unlocked sustainably and equitably for all those still waiting for a safe and reliable water supply.”

In India, access to solar-powered water is already a reality for many. By 2026, It is estimated that three million or more farmers will use solar pumps for irrigation purposes. This is expected to transform the lives of farmers across the country. However, scientists fear that water depletion could become a very real problem soon. Rajasthan, a desert state in India, has the largest number of solar pumps of any state. The government has been offering subsidized solar pumps for about a decade, supplying these pumps to nearly 100,000 farmersin the state. This equipment provides irrigation water for over a million acresincreasing water for agricultural use by more than a quarter. However, since the state receives little rain, these water sources are quickly depleted and are not replenished quickly enough.

Many pumps in the region no longer have access to water because the underground rocks are dry up to 400 feet underground, further than the pumps can reach. This has led to the abandonment of many pumps and farmers are once again facing water scarcity. Some farmers purchased more powerful pumps, leaving poorer farmers without water or having to buy it from rich neighbors.

While there are major challenges to address when considering the large-scale rollout of solar-powered water pumps in the world’s arid regions, they could provide the green infrastructure needed to ensure millions of people have access to safe drinking water cleanse. Further investigation into how to limit the power of these pumps or use them in conjunction with other technologies could support the deployment of such equipment.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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