A method for estimating maximum safe installable power for groundwater extraction with application to Africa

Area of Science:

• Hydrogeology
• Water Resource Management
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Growing global water demand necessitates sustainable groundwater development.
• Current groundwater management strategies require enhancement to ensure long-term resource availability.
• Assessing the safe installable power for pumping systems is crucial for informed decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a novel method for calculating maximum safe installable power for groundwater pumping systems.
• To estimate the potential for sustainable groundwater development across Africa.
• To identify areas at risk of groundwater overexploitation.

Main Methods:

• A new model coupling energy, technology, and hydrogeological parameters was developed.
• The model computes maximum safe installable power per km² based on recharge and storage.
• Data on energy availability and hydrogeology were used for a 0.2-degree resolution analysis across Africa.

Main Results:

• Maximum safe installable power varies significantly across Africa, ranging from 0 to 9960 W/km² (recharge-constrained) and 0 to 13,425 W/km² (storage-constrained).
• Regions like the Congo Basin and Western Africa show high potential for sustainable pumping systems.
• While 93% of potential remains on average, 2% of locations, particularly in Sudan and South Africa, show signs of overexploitation.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a novel approach to assessing water security and groundwater potential.
• Findings can guide institutions in targeting investments for sustainable water supply.
• Careful management is essential, as some regions already face groundwater overexploitation.