Smart Net-Zero

October 22, 2025 | CGIAR |

The International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI) initiative to expand solar irrigation highlights not only the benefits—lower energy costs, reduced diesel dependency, and inclusive financing for smallholders—but also the critical risks emphasized in CGIAR’s analysis. The article warns of the “solar irrigation paradox” in which cheap, abundant solar pumping may accelerate groundwater over-extraction, particularly in water-stressed basins in Morocco and Egypt. To counter this, IWMI promotes “groundwater-aware solar irrigation”, bundling solar systems with water-saving measures such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), drip and micro-irrigation, and governance tools. In Nepal, IWMI is testing volumetric water allocation dashboards to improve groundwater monitoring. These measures aim to ensure that solar irrigation contributes to climate resilience without worsening aquifer depletion.