Bridging Heritage and Innovation
For the agricultural community of Sadqa Village in Mansoura, the traditional saqia water wheel has long been a cornerstone of irrigation. However, reliance on diesel-powered pumps to operate these systems had become increasingly unsustainable. Rising fuel costs have placed a significant financial strain on smallholder farmers, often forcing them to reduce their cultivated areas. This directly impacts local livelihoods and food availability.
In response to this challenge, GEBAL for Sustainable Solutions designed an innovative solution. Implemented through its technical partnership with Schneider Electric and funded by Crédit Agricole, the solar saqia solution strategically bridges the gap between cultural heritage and modern technology. Rather than imposing an entirely new system, the project aimed to enhance and efficiently utilise the resources already in place.
Community at the Core: Ensuring Sustainable Adoption
Following extensive community dialogue and field assessments, GEBAL identified an opportunity to preserve the traditional saqia while eliminating its dependency on fossil fuels. The innovative solution was the design and implementation of a “solar saqia,” believed to be the first of its kind in Egypt. This project involved installing two 20 kW solar PV units to power the motors turning the saqias – as shown in the schematic drawing below.
The technical implementation was carefully planned to integrate with local practices without many changes or interruptions to the environment. The solar arrays were installed on land provided by local farmers, ensuring community ownership and alignment with established water-sharing agreements. This deliberate design choice ensured the innovation strengthened, rather than disrupted, the social fabric. The project successfully maintained the communal use of the saqia while providing a reliable, cost-free, low-maintenance, and zero-emission energy source.
The Outcome: A Sustainable, Transformative Design
The outcome is an innovative fusion of old and new. The familiar sight of the saqia continues to define the landscape but is now powered by clean energy. By adapting to the community’s nature and utilizing its existing components, GEBAL’s solution effectively transformed a traditional practice into a sustainable, innovative model. The solar saqia stands as a proof to a pragmatic and respectful approach to sustainable development, one that honours local heritage while securing its viability for the future and sustainability. GEBAL is proud to be the social and technological entrepreneur behind this transformative design.
0 Comments