A techno-economic viability analysis on grid integration of solar irrigation pumps in Bangladesh: prospects and challenges

Abstract

Irrigation is an important area of Bangladesh where most cases it depends on fossil fuels either diesel-powered irrigation systems or grid electricity-operated irrigation systems. Solar irrigation is an alternative way to promote clean energy in the irrigation sector which is in line to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Techno-economic viability of solar irrigation is an important issue to make acceptable to the farmers or end users. The government of Bangladesh published a dedicated grid integration guideline for solar irrigation pumps (SIP) as an alternative option to make the business viable of solar irrigation pumps. Interested solar irrigation pump operators can take this facility by adding grid integration-related connections and additional equipment to their project to supply surplus electricity into the distribution grid after irrigation uses. This paper analyzes the grid integration-related integration costing and surplus electricity pricing to understand the techno-economic viability of grid integration of solar irrigation pumps. According to the analysis result, higher capacity solar irrigation pumps are financially viable for grid integration up to a certain distance. Also, this study gives a financial viability analysis of the combined grid integration of multiple SIP.