Digital Twins for Energy-Water-Food Nexus Optimisation

Virtual Modelling

Water, food, and energy are deeply interconnected. As demand for food grows, so does the need for water in agriculture. At the same time, energy production places increasing pressure on water resources. Agriculture is the sector most affected by climate change, particularly in arid regions where evaporation, water loss, and irrigation inefficiencies threaten food security. Many Arab countries, including Morocco, face a triple pressure of water scarcity, rising irrigation demand, and rapidly growing electricity needs. Germany, too, is pushing the expansion of renewable energies while seeking more sustainable food systems and resilient supply chains.

Floating photovoltaics to increase water supply

One promising technology is floating photovoltaics (FPV): solar panels mounted on bodies of water that generate clean electricity, with the solar modules being installed on a floating substructure or on buoys. FPV structures reduce evaporation from irrigation reservoirs by 15-30%, increasing water availability for crops. However, less attention has been given to its integration with agricultural systems. 

This project proposes an integrated floating Agrivoltaics (Agri-FPV) solution that combines floating photovoltaic systems with modern agricultural practices. Therefore, tackling the water-energy-food nexus: it can protect scarce freshwater resources from evaporation, provide low-carbon energy for pumping and desalination, and stabilise agricultural production around irrigation reservoirs. 

Digital twins for smart farming

A key element of the project is the so-called digital twins: virtual models that replicate real solar and agricultural systems using live data. They make it possible to optimise crop yields, use water more efficiently, and support the transition to renewable energy. AGYA member Dr. Saad Motahhir and AGYA alumnus Dr. Carsten Montzka, provide the first comparative analysis of how FPVS’s digital twins can support agricultural productivity while accelerating the renewable energy transition. With the virtual model, the project partners study how FPVS can support precision irrigation, agro-hydrological modelling, and resilient food-water-energy systems. Furthermore, the project will evaluate policy implications and socio-economic impacts on farmers, cooperatives, and governmental water agencies, assessing adoption barriers, incentives, and policy frameworks in Morocco.

By creating a multidisciplinary network between researchers in Germany, Morocco, and the wider Arab region, the project will generate new knowledge, datasets, and best practices on AgriFPV for climate adaptation, food security, and sustainable energy transitions.

Carsten Montzka, AGYA Alumnus