Solar Energy WEFE Collaboration Project in Morocco: Small holder olive grove farmer
Introduction
The Emergency Energy Project in Morocco, North Africa, is an initiative focused on promoting sustainable energy solutions, water conservation, food security and livelihood. Led by project coordinator/researcher Mohamed Benhima, this WEFE Nexus (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem) project integrates solar energy, water resource management, and olive tree cultivation to foster economic and environmental resilience in the center region of Morocco. The WEFE project has the objective of being used as a research hub where solar energy data is collected, analyzed and used to optimize and scale up WEFE solutions for other small holder olive grove farmers.
The Olive Tree Project: Greening Morocco’s Future
A significant aspect of the Emergency Energy Project is the Olive Tree Sustainable Energy Irrigation Initiative, which involves irrigating 160 olive trees, of different varieties such as Olivier Languedoc, Picholine, Arbequina, and Arbosana. These trees provide economic benefits through olive oil production.
Digging the Well
To sustain the olive grove, a well is dug to a depth of 100 meters (approx. 340 feet). Aquifers were found at: 50 meters (165 feet).
Cost well digging per meter: 110 MAD (11 Euros) * 100 meters = 11000 MAD (1100 Euros)
Security tubes (to prevent debris fall): 100 MAD (10 Euros) per meter * 60 meters = 7000 MAD (700 Euros)
Well cover for security and protection: 200 MAD (20 Euros)
Old well cleaning: 2600 MAD (260 Euros)
Total well digging and placing tubes in it for protection: 18200 MAD (1820 Euros)
Solar Energy Integration: Clean and Affordable Power
The project incorporates solar energy to power the well and irrigation system. The solar panels used are Jinko Solar Panels (JKM595N-72HL4-V), known for their efficiency and durability.
Solar Panel Specifications and Costs:
6 Jinko solar panels (595 KwH each): 5,100 MAD (510 Euros)
Solar panel installation on the rooftop: 2,500 MAD (250 Euros)
Inverter (L’onduleur): 5,000 MAD (500 Euros)
Smart Meter: 1,500 MAD (150 Euros)
Accessories and cables: 2,500 MAD (250 Euros)
Technician cost: 1,000 MAD (100 Euros)
Total cost for solar panel project cost: 17,600 MAD (1760 Euros)
Total cost for well digging and tubing: 18200 MAD (1820 Euros)
Total cost for water well digging, sleeving, and solar panel installation: 35800 MAD (3580 Euros)
Drip Irrigation System & Soil Conservation
A modern drip irrigation system is installed to optimize water usage, along with soil covers to retain moisture, reducing evaporation and enhancing crop yield.
Smart Energy Management & Net Metering
A solar energy monitoring app is included, providing real-time data on energy production and consumption. Additionally, the Net Metering system allows surplus energy to be shared with other users, making the system more cost-efficient. Solax is used for tracking the data on the six solar panels and the electricity generated on a time series basis. The dashboard is accessible via phone and laptop for ease of use.
Electricity Savings: Before vs. After Solar Energy
Preliminary data demonstrates that the cost of installing electricity over a year before the photovoltaic installation was 1,510.01 MAD on the annual electricity bill as per 2024. With solar energy implementation, this cost is expected to decrease by 50 percent as per February 2025 to February 2026, promoting financial savings and environmental benefits.
Partnership & Global Impact
Emergency Energy seeks partnerships and collaborations to scale this initiative throughout Morocco and North Africa. It aims to support the creation of a series of community-based smallholder farmers’ research hubs specifically focused on Olive cultivation in areas affected by drought.
Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Development in North Africa
The Emergency Energy Project in Morocco is a transformative initiative demonstrating how renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture can work together to create a self-sufficient ecosystem using a WEFE framework. It will provide primary data from the site for scientific research purposes on WEFE initiatives specifically targeting smallholder olive grove farmers in Morocco that can be scaled throughout the region. This model can be replicated with strategic partnerships and funding across other arid areas, by fostering a greener, more sustainable future.
For further information or collaboration, contact Mohamed Benhima at drbenhima@emergencyenergy.org.