Canal-top photovoltaic systems on the Qush-Tepa Canal: a model for energy–water synergy

Amid chronic energy shortages, severe water scarcity, and limited land availability for utility-scale solar installations, Afghanistan urgently needs integrated solutions that address its interlinked resource challenges. This study presents the first comprehensive techno-environmental and economic assessment of a Canal-Top Photovoltaic (CTPV) system on Afghanistan’s ambitious Qush-Tepa irrigation canal; offering an innovative blueprint for sustainable energy-water synergy in arid and conflict-affected regions. The proposed system would cover 20 % of the canal area (5,712 m 2 ), with first-hand data sourced from primary data sources, online databases, published research, and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. This study employs and introduces the Integrated Techno-Economic-Environmental Assessment (ITEEA) approach, incorporating SAM software, the Evaporation Coefficient Method (ECM), and cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the viability of CTPV deployment on the Qush-Tepa canal. The CTPV system is designed with an installed capacity of 836 MW and using a base-case capacity factor of 20 %, the system is capable of generating approximately 1,465 GWh annually, with a sensitivity range of 1,318–1,684 GWh corresponding to capacity factors of 18–23 %. Furthermore, the system reduces water evaporation by approximately 20 %, conserving about 445 million m 3 of water and yielding water-saving benefits valued at approximately USD 200 million over 25 years. Land-use savings contribute an additional USD 118 million to the total benefits. The initial investment required is approximately USD 1.08 billion, with project economics evaluated over a 25-year lifetime using a base discount rate of 12 % and sensitivity analysis across 8–16 %. Under favorable financing and performance scenarios, the system demonstrates positive economic returns, while results remain sensitive to capacity factor and discount rate assumptions. These findings validate the technical feasibility, economic potential, and long-term sustainability of the project, highlighting its capacity to address Afghanistan’s energy and water scarcity challenges. Policymakers are strongly encouraged to integrate CTPV deployment into national energy and water strategies, as it presents a transformative solution with high return on investment and multi-sectoral impact