howes-herding-elec-ag-water-energy

Irrigation Training and Research Center Cal Poly State Univ., San Luis Obispo ww.itrc.org • Energy-Water Nexus – Agriculture • 2003 ITRC Study – Ag Water Energy Req – 10,100,000 MWH/Year (Normal)* • On-Farm groundwater pumping (highest user) • On-Farm booster pumping (#2) – Majority in Summer (High On-Peak Demand) – This year estimated 13,000-15,000 GWH • (35-40% surface water allocation assumed) *Burt, Howes, and Wilson 2003 CA AG Water Electrical Energy Requirements www.itrc.org Other Issues • Conversion from surface to drip/microspray irrigation – Many gravity only systems or very low pressure to higher pressure requirements for D/M – Switching from surface to groundwater (flexibility) • Result is an increase of ~1,000 kWh/acre/year (varies) On-farm conservation generally requires energy Practices to Decrease Load and Energy • Besides the obvious pump testing and repairs • Designing drip/micro Systems with energy efficiency in mind • Designs for off-peak operation • Irrigation Districts – Modernization – Improve water delivery service! – Ability to deliver off-peak only with no spill • Maximize usage of pumped water – Improve and maintain irrigation DU – Proper irrigation scheduling Just Some of the Cal Poly ITRC Energy Work How to Implement • Getting more people on the ground with knowledge on how to solve these issue – This means more TRAINING • West Hills CC is in a great location – Plus demand for irr design technicians, irrigation operators/consultants, pump testing and design, etc • Cal Poly can help with curriculum development, train the trainer, web-based course development Energy, Water, Jobs • Joint program between Cal Poly and West Hills CC on Ag Water and Energy Conservation – This is not just a San Joaquin Valley issue, it is an International issue – World class curriculum and on-line course material – Need for non-4 year graduates with technical training on real tools to implement conservation strategies – WHCC is near the areas of need Real world training in their back year