Multi-criteria analysis techniques to enhance sustainability of water pumping irrigation

Abstract

Traditionally, the groundwater resource has supported extensive agricultural irrigation, mainly based on fossil fuels for pumping purposes. However, current international agreement and policies are promoting climate change mitigation and sustainable development in most of sectors. With this aim, the main challenge presented by groundwater pumping solutions is then focused on reducing their fossil fuel dependence and integrating renewables, while also accounting for sustainability criteria. Under this framework, this paper analyzes and compares different Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis – TOPSIS, VIKOR and SIMUS – for a set combinations of water storage options and groundwater pumping energy resources. These alternatives are firstly ordered according to each decision-making approach to fulfill energy, economic and environmental requirements. Subsequently, these prioritized alternatives are then compared depending on subjective criteria weights (TOPSIS and VIKOR) or objective and quantitative methodologies (SIMUS). Case study based on a Spanish aquifer is included in the paper, identifying 72 potential combinations of real agricultural requirements (aggregated crop area, crop irrigation demand) and water resource availability (in terms of aquifer depth). The selected most appropriate alternatives for each decision-making approach are then compared and discussed in detail. This work highlights the relevance of subjective criteria weights, and compares the results to other decision-making approach where the experts’ assessment of the criteria is not required by the methodology.

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