In the heart of Indonesia, a researcher is making waves that could ripple across the globe, promising to reshape the future of agriculture and energy. Nurmalitasari, from the Faculty of Computer Science at Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta, has been delving into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and solar-powered smart irrigation systems. Her work, published in the journal *Smart Agricultural Technology* (translated from Indonesian as *Teknologi Pertanian Cerdas*), offers a compelling vision of sustainable agriculture that could significantly impact the energy sector.
Nurmalitasari’s systematic review of 29 peer-reviewed articles, published between 2016 and 2025, paints a picture of a future where AI-driven, solar-powered smart irrigation systems are the norm. These systems, she argues, could revolutionize water management, boost crop productivity, and enhance climate resilience. “The convergence of AI with solar-powered smart irrigation offers a transformative solution to global agricultural challenges,” Nurmalitasari asserts.
The review identifies eight key technological clusters that form the backbone of these smart systems. These include IoT-based environmental sensing, machine learning algorithms, solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping systems, real-time monitoring, and cloud–satellite integration. Together, these technologies enable precision irrigation, a game-changer for the agriculture industry.
The potential benefits are substantial. Water-use efficiency could improve by up to 70%, while crop yields could increase by 15–40%. Moreover, these systems could significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, a boon for the energy sector. “These advancements directly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals,” Nurmalitasari explains, “especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through improved food production, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) via efficient water use, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by utilizing renewable solar energy, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating carbon emissions.”
However, the path to widespread adoption is not without its challenges. In developing regions, inadequate infrastructure, high initial costs, and limited digital literacy pose significant barriers. To overcome these hurdles, Nurmalitasari proposes a future roadmap that emphasizes modular and open system architectures. These systems should integrate predictive analytics, soil–climate modeling, and renewable energy optimization, she argues. “Such AI-powered irrigation systems must be adaptive, scalable, and inclusive to support climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable development, AI-driven, solar-powered smart irrigation systems offer a promising solution. By improving water-use efficiency and reducing energy consumption, these systems could help mitigate the impacts of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Nurmalitasari’s work, published in *Smart Agricultural Technology*, serves as a crucial guide for future research and policy. It underscores the need for continued innovation and investment in smart irrigation technologies. As we look to the future, the insights from this review could shape the development of systems that are not only technologically advanced but also socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. In the words of Nurmalitasari, “The insights from this review are crucial for guiding future research, informing policy, and accelerating the development of smart irrigation technologies aligned with global sustainability goals.”