NP "EUROSOLAR Russia", eclareon GmbH and Irriport GmbH visited the experimental farm "Nachalo" as part of the pilot project.
Currently, the preparatory stage is being completed to provide financing and technological solutions for the implementation of a pilot project on a "Solar Irrigation System" for installation on the territory of Astrakhan State University. Installation of the equipment will be completed in 2021.
Since June 2021, the pilot project has been actively promoted on both sides. The University planted fruit trees for the new test center and prepared a university test site with an area of about four hectares for the construction of a fully automated solar-powered irrigation system in accordance with the specifications of eclareon, NP EUROSOLAR Russia and irriport GmbH. The pilot plant will be equipped with components from Germany and Russia, and the material support for this was formed from the funds of the University, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy of Germany and sponsorship contributions from the German and Russian solar and irrigation industries.
During the current visit to the region and inspection of the test field at the test site Beginning on November 30, final consultations were held with the head of the test site and other specialists on site before installing the equipment in December.
The fully automated drip irrigation system with autonomous solar power supply will be the first in Russia and will be put into trial operation in February to begin regular operation from March, at the beginning of the growing season. The installation will be used for accompanying scientific assessments of water and energy consumption, as well as as a reference installation for inspection by agricultural delegations from Russia and Central Asia. The grand opening of the experimental facility with the participation of high-ranking politicians is planned by the university for May/June 2022.