Conducting detailed feasibility study and technical design of solar PV community-based pumped irrigation systems

Training days:

02–03 October 2023, Dipayal

06–07 October 2023, Salyan

16–17 October 2023, Surkhet

30–31 October 2023, Kavre

About the training

ICIMOD, in collaboration with Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), is organising a series of two-day training workshops in four districts of Nepal. The training will focus on the technical design of solar PV community-based pumped irrigation systems and conducting a detailed feasibility study. It is targeted to provincial and local level government engineers, technicians, and relevant stakeholders.

ICIMOD is implementing the Green Energy Management for Mountain Economies project with the generous support of the Government of Norway. The primary objective of this project is to generate valuable evidence, facilitate the commercialisation of innovative solutions, enhance capacity-building efforts, and provide policy support for the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions in agriculture. ICIMOD and AEPC have meticulously crafted a comprehensive detailed feasibility study framework for community-based pumped irrigation systems. This framework is intended to serve as a guide for conducting in-depth feasibility studies on community-based pumped irrigation systems in Nepal, with the overarching goal of ensuring consistency and reliability in the assessment process across national, provincial, and local levels. ICIMOD has also developed a comprehensive training of trainer’s manual: a technical handbook on solar water pumps, which provides valuable insights to engineers and technicians to conduct detailed feasibility studies of water supply and irrigation schemes.

Objectives

The training aims to provide the participants a better understanding of:

• Conducting the detailed feasibility study of a community-based pumped irrigation system applying the detailed feasibility study framework (DFS)
• Technical design of a solar PV for pumped irrigation system

Expected outcomes

Following these trainings, the participants will be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of assessment parameters and technical design of solar PV pumped irrigation
• Effectively conduct a detailed feasibility study for the community-based pumped irrigation systems

Participants

A total of around 20 government officials – engineers, sub-engineers, and technicians – at the provincial and local levels are expected to participate in these trainings.

Background

Despite its agricultural potential, Nepal faces various challenges in the irrigation sector, resulting in limited agricultural productivity and inadequate water management. One of the key challenges in Nepal’s irrigation system is the lack of proper infrastructure and efficient management practices. The majority of irrigation systems in the country are outdated and underdeveloped and often rely on traditional techniques that are not suitable for maximising water usage and crop yield. To address these issues, community-based irrigation systems have gained prominence, involving local participation to empower farmers and promote sustainable practices. These systems aim to empower farmers, enhance water resource management, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Implementing a community-based irrigation system requires a thorough understanding of various factors, including hydrological conditions, topography, water availability, social dynamics, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. In this regard, a Detailed Feasibility Study (DFS) Framework is essential. The DFS framework serves as a comprehensive roadmap for conducting detailed assessments and evaluations before initiating irrigation projects. It enables a systematic analysis of technical, social, economic, and environmental aspects to inform decision-making and ensure the success and sustainability of irrigation interventions.

Agenda