Grouping irrigation intakes into sectors that operate in scheduled shifts allows the irrigation network to be operated in a more efficient way from an energy point of view. In the case of systems where water is supplied by pump units, the criteria used so far to create the irrigation sectors do not guarantee that pumping sets work in the most efficient manner, despite the use of Variable Frequency Drives.With that purpose in mind, a new methodology using a Genetic Algorithm and the hydraulic network model has been developed to group intakes into sectors in order to minimize energy consumption. It has been applied to a study case. Several scenarios have been run and compared with the study case by means of energy performance indicators. Results show the existing improvement margin in the system energy performance. At the same time, operational network conditions improve due to minimum required pressure at consumption points is guaranteed.Suggested Reviewers:Opposed Reviewers:1 A methodology for grouping irrigation intakes into sectors to minimize the energy consumption in pressurised irrigation networks. AbstractGrouping irrigation intakes into sectors that operate in scheduled shifts allows the irrigation