A pioneering approach from University of Waterloo (UOW) researchers is offering farmers in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula a new way to secure reliable irrigation while cutting energy costs. Master’s researchers Carter McCrae and Aidan Iapicco are developing a system that pairs solar‑powered pumps with repurposed electric vehicle batteries, creating an affordable and resilient alternative to diesel‑driven irrigation.
Their idea emerged while studying circular methods for recovering metals from electronics. A chance conversation with a BMW parts manager, who sought solutions for end‑of‑life batteries, prompted the pair to shift focus. Backed by academic research and industry insight, their proposal earned support through the Jack Rosen Memorial Competition for Environmental Innovation, enabling them to explore second‑life battery applications more fully.
During fieldwork across northern Yucatán, the team saw how shallow soils, porous limestone and rapid groundwater drainage make irrigation both essential and costly. Many farmers rely on fuel‑powered generators, refuelling frequently at high expense. One farmer explained that land is often abandoned because maintaining generator‑based irrigation is too demanding. “Electricity is something we have wanted and considered for quite some time now,” he said. “This sounds like a great opportunity for us.”
McCrae and Iapicco’s machine‑learning model rapidly assesses battery health, matching each retired EV battery to its most suitable second‑life use. For farmers, this means lower upfront costs for renewable energy, more dependable power and reduced emissions. Supported by peer‑reviewed research, the approach offers a practical route to stabilising irrigation under hotter, drier conditions.
Working with regional collaborators, the team aims to refine the system and share findings directly with farmers. Their long‑term goal is to extend this model to other water‑stressed regions, strengthening climate resilience through sustainable energy and smarter irrigation.
Image: Carter McCrae, a master’s student in Climate Change, and Aidan Iapicco, an MSc candidate in Biogeochemistry and a student in the Collaborative Water Program (CWP) in Mexico. Credit:UOW
