In the heart of Cameroon, a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo of agricultural energy use, offering a compelling case for solar power in irrigation. Armelle Nadine Tchudjo-Tchuente, a researcher from the University of Douala and the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, has published a study in *Energy Strategy Reviews* (translated as *Energy Strategy Reviews*) that could reshape the energy-agriculture landscape in the region and beyond.
The study, titled “Evaluating the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of irrigation systems based on solar PV and diesel generator for a green bean crop in Cameroon,” provides a fresh perspective on the energy-agriculture nexus. Tchudjo-Tchuente and her team compared the costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping systems and diesel generators for irrigating green beans in Foumbot, Cameroon. The results are striking.
“From the fifth year onwards, it is possible to dispense with diesel,” Tchudjo-Tchuente asserts. This shift not only makes economic sense but also has significant environmental benefits. The study found that solar PV systems can avoid emissions of 163,869 tonnes of CO2 over 25 years. This is a game-changer for a region grappling with energy crises and increasing agricultural challenges.
The study’s methodology is robust, relying on real field data rather than simulations. This approach enhances the reliability and practical relevance of the findings. The team calculated the actualized costs, including investment costs (Capex) and operation and maintenance costs (Opex), applied to annual energy production over a 25-year period. The results show that a 13.9 kWp photovoltaic solar panel system and a 10 hp diesel generator can be economically viable, with capital costs of 25.4 million Fcfa and 15.7 million Fcfa, respectively.
The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) obtained was 461.2 Fcfa/kWh for PV and 557.8 Fcfa/kWh for diesel. These figures highlight the growing competitiveness of the renewable energy sector. “This not only promotes the growing competitiveness of the renewable energy (PV) sector,” Tchudjo-Tchuente explains, “but also increases agricultural production, job creation, the sale of surplus energy in the long term and economic growth.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, it underscores the economic viability of solar PV systems for agricultural irrigation. For policymakers, it provides a compelling case for investing in renewable energy infrastructure. For farmers, it offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for irrigation.
As the world grapples with climate change and energy crises, studies like Tchudjo-Tchuente’s are crucial. They provide the data and insights needed to make informed decisions about our energy future. The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field, promoting sustainable production and economic growth.
In a world where the energy-agriculture nexus is becoming increasingly important, this research offers a beacon of hope. It shows that renewable energy is not just a viable option but a necessary one. As Tchudjo-Tchuente’s work demonstrates, the future of agriculture lies in sustainable energy solutions.