Author(s): M. G. Bongiovanni; J. Fernandez-Pato; E. Playan; N. Zapata
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: NEXUS; Irrigation adequacy; Water use; Energy pumping; Crops
Abstract: Modernized irrigation districts with centralized pumping face increasing pressure to balance irrigation adequacy and energy costs. Climate variability, water scarcity, and volatile electricity prices further complicate this challenge. This study examines water-energy-crop interactions in the Monte Saso de Biota irrigation district (Aragón, Spain) from 2021 to 2024. Three indicators were used: annual relative irrigation supply (ARIS), specific energy use (CEUV), and specific energy cost (CE). The system showed overall under-irrigation (mean ARIS of 0.70), with the lowest value in 2022 (about 0.55), when energy prices peaked at 0.30 €/kWh. Annual energy use averaged 1.37 GWh and water use 7.6 hm³, with about half of both occurring between July and August. Over 60% of pumping occurred during off-peak hours (P6). This strategy improved cost efficiency, although it sometimes led to irrigation deficits. During the peak irrigation and pumping season (April–October), CEUV remained close to 0.2 kWh/m³ and the mean CE was 0.03 €/m³, although it tripled compared to the other years due to the tariff spike. Results show a strong water-energy-crop linkage, where tariff signals and power limits shape irrigation adequacy. The NEXUS framework was useful for understanding these interactions and supporting adaptive management in centralized pressurized irrigation systems.
Year: 2026