A Water-Energy-Food (WEF) efficient net house [United Arab Emirates]
- Creation:
- Update:
- Compiler: Joren Verbist
- Editor: –
- Reviewers: William Critchley, Rima Mekdaschi Studer
technologies_7303 - United Arab Emirates
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Expand all Collapse all1. General information
1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology
Key resource person(s)
Activities Coordinator Officer:
Nejatian Arash
United Arab Emirates
Regional Coordinator APRP:
Aziz Niane Abdoul
International Center of Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
United Arab Emirates
Research Team Leader - Soils, Waters and Agronomy:
Nangia Vinay
International Center of Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
Morocco
Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
ICARDA Institutional Knowledge Management InitiativeName of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) - Lebanon1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT
The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:
Yes
1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology
Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?
No
2. Description of the SLM Technology
2.1 Short description of the Technology
Definition of the Technology:
The technology integrates off-grid soil-less cultivation within a net house, utilizing solar-powered root zone cooling and ultra-low energy irrigation, thus significantly enhancing water and energy efficiency for sustainable agriculture in arid regions. This innovation is a key contribution within the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, addressing the unique challenges of food production in the Middle East.
2.2 Detailed description of the Technology
Description:
Achieving food production and food security in the Middle East is challenging due to the region's arid climate. Net houses and greenhouses offer potential solutions by improving water efficiency and providing better climate control. However, traditional greenhouses require substantial water and energy inputs. This challenge is directly linked to the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, which offers integrated solutions to these interconnected needs.
In 2022, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) began experimenting with various greenhouse models in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop an optimal WEF solution. The outcome of these experiments is a water- and energy-efficient “net house” with several advantages.
One major issue with conventional greenhouses is their high water use due to the inefficiency of traditional soil bed systems. ICARDA’s research highlighted that simplified closed soil-less production systems can reduce irrigation water needs by more than 50%. These systems also offer additional benefits, including shorter cropping cycles, no risk of soil degradation or contamination, higher resource efficiency, and lower operational costs, as they eliminate the need for sterilization, soil cultivation, base fertilizers, and weed control.
Traditional greenhouses typically use pads and fans for cooling, but these systems have significant drawbacks. They are costly, require frequent maintenance and replacements, and consume a large amount of electricity. It's also noteworthy that most Gulf countries have recently increased their electricity prices. One approach to reducing cooling needs is to use a net house instead of a traditional greenhouse, combined with ventilators.
Another factor contributing to high energy consumption in traditional greenhouses is the use of conventional drip irrigation systems. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ICARDA researched energy-efficient drip irrigation systems, leading to the development of Ultra Low Energy (ULE) drippers. These drippers reduce pumping energy by 80%, which in turn lowers the number of solar panels required, making the system more cost-effective.
The efficient WEF Nexus solution proposed by ICARDA comprises five key technologies:
1.Closed soil-less production system: A hydroponic system with fertigation.
2.Net house: A structure that allows airflow while protecting crops from insects and adverse weather.
3.Ultra-low pressure irrigation system
4.Root zone cooling: In soil-less systems, cooling the root zone is easier and more cost-effective through ventilation.
5.Low-cost solar energy: The rapid decline in the cost of solar panels enhances the system's affordability.
This case study focuses on irrigation and fertigation solar powered solution with a Hybrid AC/DC root zone cooling. It is hybrid, which implies that there are no batteries to keep the house running at night and when sunshine is insufficient, it takes electricity from the grid. Compared to conventional cooled greenhouses, the net house measuring 8x30 meters offer multiple benefits compared with traditional greenhouses:
•Energy savings of 80% to 90%
•Extended production periods without any reduction in yield or quality
•Significantly lower costs
•Dramatically improved water productivity
•A 14% increase in net returns and a 28% reduction in costs.
This innovation demonstrates the effectiveness and necessity of integrated Water-Energy-Food strategies and contributes to a more water, energy, and food-secure Middle East.
2.3 Photos of the Technology
2.4 Videos of the Technology
Comments, short description:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/69293
Date:
2023
Name of videographer:
ICARDA
2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
Country:
United Arab Emirates
Specify the spread of the Technology:
- applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area
Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?
No
2.6 Date of implementation
If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
- less than 10 years ago (recently)
2.7 Introduction of the Technology
Specify how the Technology was introduced:
- through land users' innovation
- during experiments/ research
- through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):
Greenhouse and net houses were already present.
3. Classification of the SLM Technology
3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology
- improve production
- adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
- mitigate climate change and its impacts
- create beneficial economic impact
3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied
Land use mixed within the same land unit:
No

Cropland
- Annual cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
- vegetables - leafy vegetables (salads, cabbage, spinach, other)
Number of growing seasons per year:
- 3
Is intercropping practiced?
No
Is crop rotation practiced?
No
3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
- No (Continue with question 3.4)
3.4 Water supply
Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
- full irrigation
Comments:
Hydroponic system
3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs
- integrated soil fertility management
- irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)
- energy efficiency technologies
3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures
- A7: Others

structural measures
- S7: Water harvesting/ supply/ irrigation equipment
- S10: Energy saving measures

management measures
- M2: Change of management/ intensity level
Comments:
A7: Soil-less cultivation
3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water
- Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion

soil erosion by wind
- Et: loss of topsoil

chemical soil deterioration
- Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
- Cp: soil pollution
- Cs: salinization/ alkalinization

biological degradation
- Bl: loss of soil life

water degradation
- Ha: aridification
- Hg: change in groundwater/aquifer level
Comments:
The net house protects soils and crops from wind and water erosion. By soil-less cultivation and rootzone cooling, less water is required hence it indirectly addresses the decline in water resources.
3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation
Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
- prevent land degradation
- adapt to land degradation
Comments:
The net house is an adaptive measure to LD however, by its higher energy- and water efficiency it indirectly prevents further degradation.
4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs
4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology
Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):
This diagram illustrates a "24 Volt Hybrid System" for a solar-powered hydroponic production setup. It features a greenhouse (8x30 meters) where plants are grown in a semi-controlled environment. The system is powered primarily by six 300W solar panels, providing 85% of the total energy needed, while the grid supplements with an additional 25%. Key components include a 24V root zone cooling system and an automatic fertigation controller, which manages nutrient delivery to the plants. This hybrid setup highlights sustainable energy use and efficient plant care in hydroponic agriculture.
Author:
Arash Nejatian & Abdoul Aziz Niane
Date:
2022
Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):
Schematic overview. This diagram shows a solar irrigation setup and wiring chart for a closed hydroponics system, designed for a net house of 8x30 meters with a recommended irrigation rate of 5 liters per minute and four irrigation lines. The setup is powered by a 310-330W monocrystalline solar panel connected to a 30-amp FOXSUR solar charge controller (12V/24V). The system includes two 12V, 20AH UPS/solar batteries, a 16A DC miniature circuit breaker, and a 24VAC modular contactor. An irrigation controller manages the water output at 24VAC, operating a 450W DC pump with a 1.5-inch outlet, ensuring efficient water delivery for hydroponic plant growth.ronics
Author:
Arash Nejatian & Abdoul Aziz Niane
Date:
2023
4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs
Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
- per Technology unit
Specify unit:
Net house
Specify dimensions of unit (if relevant):
8 by 30 meter
other/ national currency (specify):
Dirham
If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:
3.67
4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment
Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit | Total costs per input | % of costs borne by land users | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other | Net house structure | total | 1.0 | 25000.0 | 25000.0 | |
Other | Irrigation system | total | 1.0 | 2015.0 | 2015.0 | |
Other | Root Zone Cooling | total | 1.0 | 5000.0 | 5000.0 | |
Other | Hydroponic system | total | 1.0 | 3000.0 | 3000.0 | |
Total costs for establishment of the Technology | 35015.0 | |||||
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD | 9540.87 |
If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:
The project
Comments:
Cost show total cost for that specific components hence it includes aspects such as materials and installation (i.e., labour).
The hybrid AC/DC system, which uses electricity from the grid when sunlight is insufficient and shuts down at night, eliminates the need for batteries. Off-grid systems, by contrast, require at least four batteries, each priced at a minimum of $200. Additionally, the off-grid setup requires five extra solar panels, costing $150 each. As a result, the hybrid system reduces investment costs by $1,550.
4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities
Activity | Timing/ frequency | |
---|---|---|
1. | Planting cucumber | September |
2. | Harvesting cucumber | May |
Comments:
Because of the root zone cooling the cucumber can grow for a longer period. Without root zone cooling the harvest is in April.
4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)
Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit | Total costs per input | % of costs borne by land users | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Labour | Labour | Person-Days | 2.0 | 800.0 | 1600.0 | |
Plant material | Cucumber seeds | seeds | 800.0 | 0.3 | 240.0 | |
Fertilizers and biocides | NPK (12-12-36 + TE) | 20 kg bag | 2.0 | 200.0 | 400.0 | |
Fertilizers and biocides | Magnesium sulfate | 20 kg bag | 1.0 | 60.0 | 60.0 | |
Fertilizers and biocides | Calcium Nitrate | 20 kg bag | 2.0 | 200.0 | 400.0 | |
Fertilizers and biocides | Pesticides | Liter | 1.0 | 106.0 | 106.0 | |
Other | Water | cubic meter | 40.0 | 3.13 | 125.2 | |
Other | Energy (electricity) | kWh | 1344.0 | 0.045 | 60.48 | |
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology | 2991.68 | |||||
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD | 815.17 |
If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:
The project
4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs
Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:
The most important costs factor making this innovation more cost effective than the conventionally cooled greenhouses is energy cost and water cost. For the conventionally cooled greenhouses these costs are respectively 302 and 680.
5. Natural and human environment
5.1 Climate
Annual rainfall
- < 250 mm
- 251-500 mm
- 501-750 mm
- 751-1,000 mm
- 1,001-1,500 mm
- 1,501-2,000 mm
- 2,001-3,000 mm
- 3,001-4,000 mm
- > 4,000 mm
Agro-climatic zone
- arid
5.2 Topography
Slopes on average:
- flat (0-2%)
- gentle (3-5%)
- moderate (6-10%)
- rolling (11-15%)
- hilly (16-30%)
- steep (31-60%)
- very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
- plateau/plains
- ridges
- mountain slopes
- hill slopes
- footslopes
- valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
- 0-100 m a.s.l.
- 101-500 m a.s.l.
- 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
- 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
- 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
- 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
- 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
- 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
- > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
- not relevant
Comments and further specifications on topography:
SLM is soil less.
5.3 Soils
Soil depth on average:
- very shallow (0-20 cm)
- shallow (21-50 cm)
- moderately deep (51-80 cm)
- deep (81-120 cm)
- very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
- medium (loamy, silty)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
- medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
- low (<1%)
5.4 Water availability and quality
Ground water table:
> 50 m
Availability of surface water:
medium
Water quality (untreated):
for agricultural use only (irrigation)
Water quality refers to:
ground water
Is water salinity a problem?
Yes
Is flooding of the area occurring?
No
5.5 Biodiversity
Species diversity:
- low
Habitat diversity:
- low
5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology
Sedentary or nomadic:
- Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
- mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
- commercial/ market
Off-farm income:
- less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
- very poor
Individuals or groups:
- individual/ household
- groups/ community
Level of mechanization:
- manual work
- mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
- men
Age of land users:
- youth
- middle-aged
- elderly
5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology
- < 0.5 ha
- 0.5-1 ha
- 1-2 ha
- 2-5 ha
- 5-15 ha
- 15-50 ha
- 50-100 ha
- 100-500 ha
- 500-1,000 ha
- 1,000-10,000 ha
- > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
- medium-scale
5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights
Land ownership:
- individual, not titled
- individual, titled
Land use rights:
- individual
Water use rights:
- individual
Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?
Yes
5.9 Access to services and infrastructure
health:
- poor
- moderate
- good
education:
- poor
- moderate
- good
technical assistance:
- poor
- moderate
- good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
- poor
- moderate
- good
markets:
- poor
- moderate
- good
energy:
- poor
- moderate
- good
roads and transport:
- poor
- moderate
- good
drinking water and sanitation:
- poor
- moderate
- good
financial services:
- poor
- moderate
- good
6. Impacts and concluding statements
6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown
Socio-economic impacts
Production
crop production
crop quality
energy generation
Water availability and quality
irrigation water availability
Comments/ specify:
Indirectly, it improved water availability through higher water use efficiency
demand for irrigation water
Income and costs
expenses on agricultural inputs
farm income
Ecological impacts
Water cycle/ runoff
evaporation
Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):
Assessments are based on expert judgement and available reports
6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown
water availability
impact of greenhouse gases
6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)
Gradual climate change
Gradual climate change
Season | increase or decrease | How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|---|---|
annual temperature | increase | very well | |
seasonal temperature | dry season | increase | very well |
annual rainfall | decrease | moderately |
6.4 Cost-benefit analysis
How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:
slightly negative
Long-term returns:
very positive
How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:
very positive
Long-term returns:
very positive
6.5 Adoption of the Technology
- 1-10%
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
- 0-10%
6.6 Adaptation
Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?
No
6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view |
---|
Higher water use efficiency |
Higher energy efficiency and better use of solar energy |
Shortened cropping season without quantity or quality penalties |
More cost effective |
Increased net farm income |
Non-reliant on fluctuating and increasing energy prices |
6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
High investment costs | The fully off-grid system is significantly more expensive. In contrast, the hybrid system—without batteries, shutting down at night, and drawing electricity from the grid when needed—has substantially lower investment costs due to requiring fewer solar panels and no batteries. |
High technical skills required | The hydroponic system and improved electrical system require additional expertise. This challenge can be addressed by building capacity and providing education to extension services. |
7. References and links
7.1 Methods/ sources of information
- interviews with SLM specialists/ experts
- compilation from reports and other existing documentation
When were the data compiled (in the field)?
2024
7.3 Links to relevant online information
Title/ description:
Arash Nejatian, Muthir Al Rawahy, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Amal Hassan Al Ahmadi, Vinay Nangia, Boubaker Dhehibi. (11/7/2024). Renewable Energy and Net House Integration for Sustainable Cucumber Crop Production in the Arabian Peninsula: Extending Growing Seasons and Reducing Resource Use. Journal of Sustainability Reseach, 6 (3).
URL:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/69396
Title/ description:
Arash Nejatian (Producer, Director), Abdoul Aziz Niane, Vinay Nangia. (30/6/2023). Solar Powered Net House.
URL:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/69293
Title/ description:
Arash Nejatian, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Vinay Nangia, Amal Hassan Al Ahmadi, Tahra Naqbi, Haliema Ibrahim, Mohamed Ahmed Hamdan Al Dhanhani. (16/6/2023). Enhancing Controlled Environment Agriculture in Desert Ecosystems with AC/DC Hybrid Solar Technology. International Journal of Energy Production and Management, 8 (2), pp. 107-114.
URL:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/68508
Title/ description:
Arash Nejatian, Abdoul Aziz Niane. (31/5/2023). Net House Powered by Solar Energy.
URL:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/69304
Title/ description:
Arash Nejatian, Abdoul Aziz Niane. (29/10/2022). Solar Energy Powered Net-House with Root Zone Cooling Hydroponic System. Beirut, Lebanon: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
URL:
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/67736
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