Innovation in the case study

The project innovation was the implementation of a new water and energy management model for collective irrigation systems adapted to the particularities of each user. This new model requires less energy and water consumption and allows cost savings for operations, both at farm level and for the group of irrigators.

It also maintains or even increases the competitiveness of irrigated agriculture, a strategic sector in many rural areas of Spain. This model includes technical and social innovations to improve water and energy efficiency.

Some innovations are: estimation of crops’ water needs using satellite images and the indexes obtained; image display and development of files for crop monitoring using a colour range; crop classification; estimation of each IC’s energy needs and application of energy-saving measures, such as the reorganisation of irrigation run times; and new ways to negotiate contracts in the energy market.