Reinventing the wheel - The preservation and potential of traditional water wheels in the terraced irrigated landscapes of the Ricote Valley, southeast Spain

Lifting water is crucial to irrigate agricultural terraces in the Mediterranean region. But the energy demand and emissions of modern forms of water pumping have increased, while many traditional water wheels used in the past to lift water (“noria”), which lift water at zero direct emissions, have been abandoned. We explored the state of preservation and the potential for the deployment of water wheelsnorias in the Ricote Valley of southeast Spain, where some sites still exist, while also investigating the reasons for their abandonment. A mixed method approach is used to combine GIS-based methods, an expert survey, and a technological and socio-economic assessment of water wheelnoria renovation. Our findings show that traditional water wheelsnorias in the Ricote Valley have mostly been replaced by engine-based water-lifting technologies. The traditional irrigation technologies, lying dormant but still standing, could contribute to reducing the high energy demand and the resulting emissions of irrigation systems in the Mediterranean region and beyond, while also providing possibilities for power production . It was estimated by data extrapolation that 16 renovated water wheelsnorias included in our analysis can irrigate 140.3 hectares in the Ricote Valley, for a total achievable power of 23.8 kW. To irrigate a similar surface applying diesel motor pumps would produce up to 148 tons of emissions/year and cost up to approx. 85,000 €/year for the consumption of c. 56,000 liters diesel depending on the working hours of the norias cost approx. 40,000 Euro for the consumption of 31,900 liters diesel and producing 84 tons of emissions per year. In the case of electric pumps, we estimate that up to 55 tons of emissions/year and costs up to approx. 48,000 €/year c. 27,000 Euro of electricity costs can be saved each year as well as 31 tons of emissions. If used for power generation, these water wheels could produce 23.8 kW, adding up to the multifunctionality of traditional water wheels. Therefore, we argue that rediscovering traditional technologies helps to accomplish affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) as well as climate action to reduce GHG emissions (SDG 13). Moreover, these technologies provide multiple functions and services for a sustainable life on land (SDG 15), which needs to be considered in a holistic approach.

JRC.D.2 - Water and Marine Resources