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Case

Water resource management

Water efficiency

Green energy transition to provide clean drinking water

2. December 2022

Solution provider

Grundfos

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Challenge

Large energy consumption required in pumping portable drinking water from the overhead water storage tank to reach each of the 206 household tap connections of the village.

Solution

Under the green strategic partnership between government of India and government of Denmark, UNOPS facilitated the construction of a solar energized water pumping system with a purpose to considerably reduce the electricity consumption for the overhead tank to supply clean drinking water to the household tap connections in Mirtala village of district Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh.

The operation of solar-powered pumps is more economical mainly due to the lower operation and maintenance costs and has less environmental impact than pumps powered by an internal combustion engine. Solar pumps are useful where grid electricity is unavailable or impractical.

Result

Approx. 75% energy savings – Increased climate resilience

The village overhead water tank which is at the height of 43ft has a capacity to store 60KL of water and was originally powered by an electricity operated water pump. It needs to operate for approximately 8 hrs to cater to the need of the village population. After the installation of solar panels and solar pump, 45KL water is filled using the solar energy while 15kL is pumped using electricity, hence bringing down the energy consumption by approximately 75%.

The operation of solar-powered pumps is more economical mainly due to the lower operation and maintenance costs and has less environmental impact than pumps powered by an internal combustion engine. Solar pumps are useful where grid electricity is unavailable or impractical.

The dual water supply system

…was handed over to the village water and sanitation committee (VWSC) (an elected body from the community) for operation and maintenance to sustain it for the welfare of all.

With the unit, a total of 206 households with a population of 1136, the village child care centre, office of the village council and school would be provided with potable drinking water through this water project.