Sustainable Crop Irrigation with Renewable Energy: A Case Study of Lethbridge County, Alberta

The agriculture sector is a major contributor to the economy of Alberta, Canada, accounting for almost 2.8% of the total GDP. Considering its importance, implementing efficient and cost-effective irrigation systems is vital for promoting sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions like Lethbridge County, Alberta, Canada. Although irrigation is primarily carried out using the Oldman River and its allied reservoirs, groundwater pumping becomes a supplementary necessity during periods of limited surface water availability or droughts. This research investigates the potential of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar energy, to meet the energy requirements for crop irrigation. The study begins by identifying and calculating the water requirements for major crops in Lethbridge County, such as wheat and barley, using the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s CROPWAT 8.0 software. Subsequently, energy calculations were conducted to meet the specific crop water demand through the design of a hybrid energy system using Homer Pro 3.16.2. A technoeconomic analysis of the renewable hybrid system has been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and novelty of the proposed work. Outcomes revealed that the proposed system is both efficient and economical in fulfilling the crop water requirement through groundwater pumping, promoting sustainable agriculture, and helping to ensure food security in the region.