Solar pump, experiences in Uruguay and the region. Future perspectives

Abstract

Uruguay is trying to reach consensus in order to achieve a State policy on water resources, particularly an irrigation policy, which optimizes its use. It has managed to have a state policy on the subject of energy, with a strong impact on renewable energies. The changes in the electrical matrix are very important. The need for water in many ventures is solved with pumping systems. For isolated systems or as a complement to other existing systems, solar pumping is a viable solution. Historically, reservoirs were used and the use of low-power wind energy or pumping equipment powered by motors that used fossil fuels or electric power taken from the public or self-generation network. The current development of solar pumping in Uruguay and the region will be described, especially oriented to isolated supply, production or irrigation systems.