Nakiso Borehole Drilling has been piloting solar-powered water supply systems in off-grid areas. Because of these pilot projects, the technology has evolved and the reliability and efficiency of systems have improved significantly.
Costs
have also decreased as more brands and technology
options have become available on the market. The majority of systems have so far been installed in communities, schools and health care centres.
They are
mostly small in size (less than 2,000 beneficiaries) and are
often being used to replace hand pumps and motorised
systems.
Solar-powered systems typically move water over
an extended period of time and are able to operate
autonomously in most cases. This can help reduce the
pressure on boreholes by spreading yield throughout the
day.
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| Nakiso Borehole Drilling Scales Up Solar Powered Water Supply Systems! |
The tank storage capacity of such systems can also
help provide an important buffer, allowing spare water to
be used during peak demand times, at night or during
periods of intense cloud cover. These solar-powered systems have close to zero running
costs, unlike motorised pumps, which are also noisy,
polluting (emitting greenhouse gases which contribute to
climate change) and are highly susceptible to fluctuating
fuel prices.
Even though the initial investment for solar-powered systems are still slightly higher than for motorised
systems, solar-powered systems are becoming more
competitive in price where strong market competition
exists. Also, because of their durability and low running
costs, they are considered cost-effective in the long-term.
Around 663 million people globally still lack access to safe water, despite the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for water being met.
Even when improved drinking water sources exist, ensuring safe and sustained water services remains a challenge. Water points can regularly break down and services are often unreliable, creating major barriers to access.
Reasons for this can include a lack of local capacity, particularly in terms of repair and maintenance, land degradation and pollution.
Such challenges mean that the water sectors have been left with significant unfinished business.
The new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water and sanitation agenda is more ambitious and aims to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and reliable source of drinking water at home by 2030 (SDG 6.1).
Countries are expected to progressively move up the drinking water ladder, ensuring communities have access to safer and more reliable services. In most areas, groundwater remains the most viable and safe source of water and will continue to play a key role in meeting the SDG for water supply.
In order to achieve the ambitious task of universal safe water access, UNICEF is continuing to explore new and innovative solutions which are affordable, scalable, environmentally sustainable and climate-smart.
Solar-powered water systems have the potential to meet all of these criteria, providing higher quality services to multiple homes and even villages through the use of small piped water schemes.
Did You Know That: The assessment found that when correctly sited and dimensioned, solar-powered water systems are a sustainable and effective method of providing safe water to communities.
Even when improved drinking water sources exist, ensuring safe and sustained water services remains a challenge. Water points can regularly break down and services are often unreliable, creating major barriers to access.
Reasons for this can include a lack of local capacity, particularly in terms of repair and maintenance, land degradation and pollution.
 |
| Nakiso Borehole Drilling Scales Up Solar Powered Water Supply Systems! |
The new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water and sanitation agenda is more ambitious and aims to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and reliable source of drinking water at home by 2030 (SDG 6.1).
Countries are expected to progressively move up the drinking water ladder, ensuring communities have access to safer and more reliable services. In most areas, groundwater remains the most viable and safe source of water and will continue to play a key role in meeting the SDG for water supply.
In order to achieve the ambitious task of universal safe water access, UNICEF is continuing to explore new and innovative solutions which are affordable, scalable, environmentally sustainable and climate-smart.
Solar-powered water systems have the potential to meet all of these criteria, providing higher quality services to multiple homes and even villages through the use of small piped water schemes.
Did You Know That: The assessment found that when correctly sited and dimensioned, solar-powered water systems are a sustainable and effective method of providing safe water to communities.
