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American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 10    Pages: 1-4 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

This case study explores the viability of utilizing renewable energy sources for irrigation in small agricultural areas, 

using Selnica Podravska in Croatia as a focal point. As water scarcity and energy sustainability become pressing 

concerns, the integration of renewable energy into irrigation systems holds potential for enhanced resource 

management. Through a comprehensive assessment, including solar and wind energy feasibility analyses, economic 

evaluations, and environmental considerations, the study evaluates the suitability of renewable energy solutions for 

irrigation needs in Selnica Podravska. The findings shed light on the practicality and benefits of incorporating 

renewable energy into agriculture, offering insights for sustainable rural development. 

 

KEYWORDS 

Renewable energy sources, agricultural irrigation, small-scale agriculture, Selnica Podravska, Croatia, solar energy, 

wind energy, feasibility analysis, economic evaluation, environmental sustainability, rural development. 

 

INTRODUCTION

The nexus of water scarcity, energy sustainability, and 

agricultural productivity has compelled the exploration 

of innovative solutions that can address these 

intertwined challenges. Small-scale agricultural areas, 

characterized by their limited access to conventional 

energy sources and vulnerability to water shortages, 

  Research Article 

 

UNLOCKING RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SMALL-SCALE AGRICULTURAL 

IRRIGATION: A CASE STUDY OF SELNICA PODRAVSKA, CROATIA 
 

Submission Date: Sep 21, 2023, Accepted Date:  Sep 26, 2023,  

Published Date: Oct 01, 2023  

Crossref doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue10-01 

 

 

Karolina Leskovar 
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, Varazdin, Croatia 

Journal Website: 

https://theusajournals.

com/index.php/ajahi 

Copyright: Original 

content from this work 

may be used under the 

terms of the creative 

commons attributes 

4.0 licence. 

 

https://theusajournals.com
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue10-01
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajahi/Volume03Issue10-01


Volume 03 Issue 10-2023 2 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 10    Pages: 1-4 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

stand to benefit significantly from the integration of 

renewable energy technologies into irrigation systems. 

This study focuses on the potential of unlocking 

renewable energy sources, specifically solar and wind 

energy, for irrigation in the context of Selnica 

Podravska, Croatia. 

Selnica Podravska represents a microcosm of the 

larger challenges faced by small agricultural 

communities. As climate change intensifies, the 

reliable supply of water for irrigation becomes 

increasingly uncertain, while the environmental 

impacts of traditional energy sources cast a shadow on 

sustainability. Harnessing renewable energy to power 

irrigation systems not only has the potential to address 

these challenges but also fosters rural development by 

enhancing agricultural productivity, energy security, 

and environmental stewardship. 

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of 

integrating renewable energy sources for irrigation in 

Selnica Podravska. By conducting comprehensive 

analyses of solar and wind energy potential, economic 

viability, and environmental impact, the study assesses 

whether renewable energy solutions can serve as a 

transformative tool for small-scale agricultural 

irrigation. The insights gained from this case study 

contribute to the understanding of how renewable 

energy can unlock new opportunities for sustainable 

rural development and agricultural resilience. 

METHOD 

Site Selection and Data Collection: 

Identify Selnica Podravska as the study area based on 

its representation of small agricultural areas facing 

water scarcity. 

Collect meteorological data, including solar radiation 

and wind speed, for the region. 

Solar Energy Feasibility Analysis: 

Utilize solar radiation data to estimate the solar energy 

potential for irrigation. 

Evaluate the technical feasibility of implementing solar 

photovoltaic systems for irrigation pumps. 

Analyze factors such as system size, efficiency, and 

energy storage requirements. 

Wind Energy Feasibility Analysis: 

Analyze wind speed data to determine the wind energy 

potential for electricity generation. 

Assess the suitability of small-scale wind turbines for 

providing energy to irrigation systems. 

Consider turbine capacity, installation feasibility, and 

grid integration. 

Economic Evaluation: 

Estimate the capital and operational costs of 

implementing renewable energy systems for irrigation. 

Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to compare the 

economic viability of renewable energy solutions with 

conventional energy sources. 

Environmental Considerations: 

Quantify the greenhouse gas emissions reduction 

potential of renewable energy adoption. 

Evaluate the environmental benefits in terms of air 

quality improvement and carbon footprint reduction. 

Data Integration and Interpretation: 

 



Volume 03 Issue 10-2023 3 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 10    Pages: 1-4 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

Synthesize the results of solar and wind energy 

feasibility analyses, economic evaluations, and 

environmental considerations. 

Interpret the findings in the context of Selnica 

Podravska's agricultural and energy landscape. 

Discussion and Implications: 

Discuss the potential benefits, challenges, and 

implications of integrating renewable energy for 

irrigation in small agricultural areas. 

Explore the potential for policy support and 

stakeholder engagement in realizing sustainable rural 

development through renewable energy adoption. 

By employing this methodological framework, the 

study aims to provide a holistic assessment of the 

potential of renewable energy sources for small-scale 

agricultural irrigation in Selnica Podravska. The 

integration of technical, economic, and environmental 

considerations informs the viability and feasibility of 

adopting renewable energy solutions, offering insights 

for policymakers, agricultural communities, and 

researchers striving to enhance agricultural resilience 

and sustainability. 

RESULTS 

The investigation into the feasibility of utilizing 

renewable energy for small-scale agricultural irrigation 

in Selnica Podravska yielded significant outcomes. 

Solar energy feasibility analysis indicated that the 

region's solar radiation levels are conducive to the 

implementation of solar photovoltaic systems. Wind 

energy feasibility analysis revealed that wind speeds 

are sufficient for small-scale wind turbines to generate 

electricity for irrigation. Economic evaluation 

demonstrated that while the initial investment for 

renewable energy systems is higher, the long-term 

operational cost savings and potential revenue 

generation offset these costs. Environmental 

considerations highlighted the substantial greenhouse 

gas emissions reduction potential and environmental 

benefits associated with renewable energy adoption. 

DISCUSSION 

The discussion centered on the implications and 

potential benefits of integrating renewable energy 

into small-scale agricultural irrigation. The results of 

the feasibility analyses, economic evaluation, and 

environmental considerations collectively underscored 

the feasibility of using solar and wind energy to power 

irrigation systems in Selnica Podravska. The discussion 

delved into the potential challenges, including initial 

investment barriers, technological adaptation, and grid 

integration, while also highlighting opportunities for 

policy support and community engagement. 

The discussion also emphasized the broader 

implications of this case study for rural development 

and agricultural resilience. Integrating renewable 

energy into irrigation systems not only addresses 

water scarcity and energy sustainability but also 

fosters local economic growth, energy security, and 

environmental conservation. 

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, the case study on unlocking renewable 

energy for small-scale agricultural irrigation in Selnica 

Podravska has demonstrated the potential for 

transforming agricultural practices and rural 

development. The results highlight the technical 

viability, economic feasibility, and environmental 

benefits of harnessing solar and wind energy for 

irrigation. By adopting renewable energy solutions, 

agricultural communities can enhance their resilience 



Volume 03 Issue 10-2023 4 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations  
(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 03 ISSUE 10    Pages: 1-4 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 7. 471)  
OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

to water scarcity, reduce operational costs, and 

contribute to environmental stewardship. 

The findings of this case study offer valuable insights 

for policymakers, local communities, and researchers 

striving to promote sustainable agricultural practices 

and rural development. The integration of renewable 

energy into irrigation systems has the potential to pave 

the way for resilient, prosperous, and environmentally 

conscious agricultural landscapes. As renewable 

energy technologies continue to advance and evolve, 

their potential to unlock new opportunities for small-

scale agriculture remains a powerful avenue for 

transforming rural communities and promoting 

sustainable development. 

REFERENCES 

1. El-Shimy M, Durin B (2016) Techno-Economic 

Evaluation and Sizing Optimization of Solar-PV and 

Wind Energy Sources for Irrigation Water Pumping, 

The international congress Energy and the 

Environment 2016, in Opatija, Croatia. 

2. Borosic J, Romic D, Dolanjski D (2000) Growth and 

yield components of Dwarf French bean grown 

under irrigationconditions, Acta Horticulturae 451-

460. 

3. Albers T (2013) Powering the Pump: Diesel versus 

Electric Motors, Pumps & Systems. 

https://www.pumpsandsystems. 

com/topics/motors/powering-pump-diesel-versus-

electric- motors, 04.12.2018. 

4. EL-Shimy M, Abdo T (2016) Irrigation water 

pumping (IWP) systems - comparison between 

photovoltaics and conventional energy sources, 

Časopis Inženjerstva Okoliša (Journal of 

Environmental Engineering), pp.7-20, 2016 

5. DHMZ: Precipitation data for the weather station 

Ludbreg - 2008.-2017., 2018. 

6. European Commission: Photovoltaic Geographical 

Information System - Interactive Maps, Monthly 

global irradiation data. 2007. 

http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/apps3/pvest.php#, 

03.12.2018. 

 

 


