Nederlands
English
Français
Deutsch
Español
Português
China's Revolutionary Floating Solar Project
China has completed construction of one of the world's largest floating solar farms, built directly over a major reservoir in what represents a breakthrough in dual-use renewable energy infrastructure. The massive installation covers hundreds of acres of water surface while simultaneously generating clean electricity and significantly reducing water evaporation.
Dual Benefits: Energy and Water Conservation
The innovative project demonstrates how floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology can address multiple environmental challenges simultaneously. By placing solar panels on the reservoir's surface, the installation not only generates substantial clean energy but also creates a protective layer that reduces water evaporation by up to 70%. This is particularly valuable in regions facing water scarcity issues.
Technical Specifications and Capacity
The solar farm features advanced floating solar technology with panels mounted on specially designed plastic buoys and cables. The system has a capacity of approximately 320 megawatts, making it one of the largest floating solar installations globally. The panels benefit from natural water cooling, which increases their efficiency by 5-10% compared to land-based systems.
Environmental Impact and Advantages
Floating solar offers several environmental advantages beyond energy production. The shade provided by the panels helps control algae growth, improves water quality, and reduces the need for chemical treatments in the reservoir. Additionally, by utilizing water surfaces rather than valuable land, the project helps preserve agricultural and natural landscapes.
China's Renewable Energy Leadership
This project is part of China's ambitious renewable energy expansion, with the country aiming to reach 1,200 GW of combined solar and wind capacity by 2030. China has become the world's largest producer of photovoltaic power and continues to lead in renewable energy technology innovation. The floating solar market has grown rapidly since 2016, with global installed capacity reaching 13 GW in 2022.
Future Potential and Global Applications
The success of this reservoir-based solar farm opens possibilities for similar projects worldwide. According to World Bank estimates, there are over 6,600 large bodies of water suitable for floating solar, with a technical capacity exceeding 4,000 GW if just 10% of their surfaces were covered. This represents a massive untapped potential for clean energy generation without competing for land resources.
