Environmental and socio-economic feasibility of solar powered groundwater pumps in drought affected areas of giyani Limpopo.

Abstract

In the South African context, large portions of rural population do not have access to water supply. Shallow groundwater in alluvial aquifers of ephemeral (or dry sand bed) rivers can potentially be an alternative sustainable source of water for multiple uses. Solar-powered groundwater pumps could be suitable to reduce abstraction costs in rural areas that are often far from national grid connections. The objectives of this study were to conduct an environmental and socio-economic feasibility assessment of using solar-powered groundwater pumps in rural villages of Greater Giyani Municipality (Limpopo). The environmental assessment dealt with environmental issues associated with the use of solar pumps by analysing their emission of CO2 as compared to alternative energy supply options such as fuel and electricity. The socio-economic aspects dealt with the capital and maintenance costs associated with the system as compared to alternative sources of energy. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted in order to determine financial benefits, returns on investment and payback periods of using solar powered groundwater pumps. A life cycle analysis of the solar powered system was conducted. The results indicated a great market strength exists for these solar powered systems and even though they have high initial costs, their running costs are lower compared to alternative sources (diesel and grid). The life cycle analysis done using OPENLCA software showed that solar powered water pumps have environmental impacts especially during their manufacturing phase.