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The energy source is not the deciding factor


The use of solar power in irrigation raises concerns about sustainable groundwater extraction. However, an empirical study from Bangladesh shows that the energy source is just one piece of a larger puzzle — groundwater sustainability ultimately depends on how solar irrigation systems are managed.

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Fig. 1: Groundwater extraction by smallholder farmers.

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Lucie Pluschke.

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Pluschke, L. The energy source is not the deciding factor.
Nat Water (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-025-00557-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-025-00557-x


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