This European initiative aims to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water in agricultural reservoirs.
The Governing Board of the Lorca Irrigation Community, along with its technical staff, visited the La Jeresa reservoir in Lorca today, where they were able to see firsthand the progress of their LIFE H2OLOCK project. This European initiative seeks to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water in agricultural reservoirs.
At the La Jeresa reservoir, operated by the Lorca Irrigation Community, a modular floating cover has been installed, combined with a floating solar plant equipped with photovoltaic solar panels. This infrastructure not only reduces evaporation and prevents algae growth but also generates clean energy to power irrigation systems. The Cantabria Technology Center (CTC) has designed and implemented a monitoring system for the reservoir to assess the effectiveness of the proposed solutions, while the Polytechnic University of Cartagena has evaluated its performance under real operating conditions in a reservoir covering nearly three hectares.
The project aims to demonstrate a versatile and cost-effective solution, specifically designed for medium and large agricultural reservoirs. This solution seeks to reduce water evaporation by 80-85%, suppress algae growth without the use of algaecides, and produce renewable energy for irrigation systems, thus covering the reservoir’s water needs while maximizing energy production. The project is co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE program, which supports initiatives focused on the transition towards a circular economy and the protection of natural resources.
The Lorca Irrigation Community is one of the most significant in the Region of Murcia, with more than 19,000 members managing a cultivated area of 23,790 hectares. Their commitment to water and energy efficiency is reflected in their active participation in projects like LIFE H2OLOCK.
José Miguel Gimeno Martínez, project coordinator at ARADA, highlighted the progress made so far:
“The preliminary results are very positive, with evaporation reduction exceeding 80% and a complete absence of algae—two of the project’s main goals. Additionally, the installation of photovoltaic energy in the reservoir allows us to combine product sustainability with the generation of clean energy. We are moving towards a future marked by climate change and water scarcity, where reservoirs will no longer be considered complete without a cover. LIFE H2OLOCK prepares us for that scenario, ensuring that this technology is ready for implementation when European policies require it.”
Meanwhile, Juan Marín, president of the Lorca Irrigation Community, emphasized the importance of this initiative as a benchmark in agricultural water management:
“With such limited water resources, every cubic meter counts. LIFE H2OLOCK enables us to optimize available water and move towards more efficient and sustainable agriculture. This technology not only reduces evaporation by over 80% but also prevents algae growth without the need for chemicals and generates renewable energy for irrigation. We are convinced that these types of solutions will shape the future of irrigation, ensuring a more responsible approach to water management and improving the profitability of agricultural operations. Investing in innovation is no longer an option; it is a necessity to face the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.”