Multi criteria analysis for groundwater management using solar energy in Moghra Oasis, Egypt

Abstract

Egypt is facing a lack of water resources in addition to some diesel fuel supply problems which makes it necessary to rely more on renewable energy. Renewable energy is the most promising source of energy and is one of the most important growing industries around the world. Solar energy based on Photovoltaic panels, is being frequently used as a source of energy for groundwater pumping. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using solar energy in exploiting the groundwater reserves in Moghra oasis, Western Desert of Egypt. A multi-criteria analysis model based on the Geographic Information Systems technique was applied. The applied multi-criteria layers include depths to groundwater, salinity (water use), solar radiation, topography, accessibility and land-use. The output results of the model showed that the best location for Photovoltaic panels is close to the Nile Delta and outside the boundary of Qattara Depression, Moghra Lake and oil fields restricted areas. In these areas the groundwater salinity is less than 5000 ppm and depth to groundwater is less than 100 m. It is recommended in areas with high groundwater salinity to study the possibility of groundwater desalination.