"LIFE H2OLOCK: Innovative solutions for sustainable water management in agriculture"

The Lorca Irrigation Community visits the La Jeresa reservoir to learn about the progress of the European LIFE H2OLOCK project.

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 to learn firsthand about the progress of the LIFE H2OLOCK project. This European initiative aims to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water in agricultural reservoirs. 

At the La Jeresa reservoir, managed by the Lorca Irrigation Community, a modular floating cover has been installed, combined with a solar power plant made up of floating mats 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 their performance under real operating conditions on a reservoir spanning nearly 3 hectares.

The project aims to demonstrate a versatile and cost-effective solution designed specifically for medium and large agricultural reservoirs. This solution seeks to reduce water evaporation by 80-85%, suppress algae growth without using algaecides, and produce renewable energy for irrigation systems, thereby meeting the water needs of the reservoir while maximizing energy production. The project is co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE program, which supports initiatives focused on transitioning to a circular economy and protecting natural resources.

The Lorca Irrigation Community is one of the most significant in the Region of Murcia, with more than 19,000 members managing an area of 23,790 hectares of farmland. Its commitment to water and energy efficiency is reflected in its 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 an evaporation reduction of over 80% and a complete absence of algae, which were two of the project’s main objectives. Additionally, the photovoltaic installation in the reservoir allows us to combine sustainability with clean energy generation. We are heading toward a future defined by climate change and water scarcity, where reservoirs will no longer be considered complete without a cover. LIFE H2OLOCK prepares us for this 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 water management in agriculture: “With such limited water resources, every cubic meter counts. LIFE H2OLOCK allows us to optimize available water and move towards more efficient and sustainable agriculture. This technology not only reduces evaporation by more than 80%, but also prevents algae proliferation without the need for chemicals and generates renewable energy for irrigation. We are convinced that such solutions will shape the future of irrigation, ensuring more responsible water management and improving the profitability of agricultural operations. Innovation is no longer an option but a necessity in addressing the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.”

About the Lorca Irrigation Community
The Lorca Irrigation Community has been a pioneer in modernizing and digitizing its irrigation infrastructure. Its participation in European projects reflects its dedication to implementing advanced technologies to ensure sustainability and efficiency in water use.

For more information about the LIFE H2OLOCK project, visit https://h2olock.es/.

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