Capacity Shortages for Grid Disconnected Irrigation in Saskatchewan Using HOMER

Irrigation agriculture can contribute to international food security by improving agricultural yields. For irrigation projects with large pumping requirements, considerable energy input is required. With cost decreases, renewable energy is increasingly techno-economically viable but remains problematic due to intermittency. Using HOMER Pro Version 3.16.0 software, this study aims to quantify the viability of 100% renewable energy (RE) to support irrigation projects that permit capacity shortages. Evaluation includes the modelling of a hypothetical irrigation project, analysis of the efficacy of wind and solar, and the effect of capacity shortages. The study finds 100% RE systems with capacity shortages are more costly (CA$ 0.33/kWh) than current utility rates (CA$ 0.08–0.12/kWh).