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Energy production and water savings from floating solar photovoltaics on global reservoirs

Author

Listed:
  • Yubin Jin

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Shijie Hu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    ETH Zurich)

  • Alan D. Ziegler

    (Mae Jo University)

  • Luke Gibson

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • J. Elliott Campbell

    (University of California)

  • Rongrong Xu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Deliang Chen

    (University of Gothenburg)

  • Kai Zhu

    (University of California
    University of Michigan)

  • Yan Zheng

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Bin Ye

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Fan Ye

    (MingYang Smart Energy)

  • Zhenzhong Zeng

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Growing global energy use and the adoption of sustainability goals to limit carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning are increasing the demand for clean energy, including solar. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems on reservoirs are advantageous over traditional ground-mounted solar systems in terms of land conservation, efficiency improvement and water loss reduction. Here, based on multiple reservoir databases and a realistic climate-driven photovoltaic system simulation, we estimate the practical potential electricity generation for FPV systems with a 30% coverage on 114,555 global reservoirs is 9,434 ± 29 TWh yr−1. Considering the proximity of most reservoirs to population centres and the potential to develop dedicated local power systems, we find that 6,256 communities and/or cities in 124 countries, including 154 metropolises, could be self-sufficient with local FPV plants. Also beneficial to FPV worldwide is that the reduced annual evaporation could conserve 106 ± 1 km3 of water. Our analysis points to the huge potential of FPV systems on reservoirs, but additional studies are needed to assess the potential long-term consequences of large systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Yubin Jin & Shijie Hu & Alan D. Ziegler & Luke Gibson & J. Elliott Campbell & Rongrong Xu & Deliang Chen & Kai Zhu & Yan Zheng & Bin Ye & Fan Ye & Zhenzhong Zeng, 2023. "Energy production and water savings from floating solar photovoltaics on global reservoirs," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(7), pages 865-874, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:6:y:2023:i:7:d:10.1038_s41893-023-01089-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01089-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Vivar, M. & H, Sharon & Fuentes, M., 2024. "Photovoltaic system adoption in water related technologies – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PB).
    2. Schmitt, Rafael Jan Pablo & Rosa, Lorenzo, 2024. "Dams for hydropower and irrigation: Trends, challenges, and alternatives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    3. C.J., Ramanan & Lim, King Hann & Kurnia, Jundika Candra & Roy, Sukanta & Bora, Bhaskor Jyoti & Medhi, Bhaskar Jyoti, 2024. "Towards sustainable power generation: Recent advancements in floating photovoltaic technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    4. Maier, Rachel & Lütz, Luna & Risch, Stanley & Kullmann, Felix & Weinand, Jann & Stolten, Detlef, 2024. "Potential of floating, parking, and agri photovoltaics in Germany," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    5. Benjamins, Steven & Williamson, Benjamin & Billing, Suzannah-Lynn & Yuan, Zhiming & Collu, Maurizio & Fox, Clive & Hobbs, Laura & Masden, Elizabeth A. & Cottier-Cook, Elizabeth J. & Wilson, Ben, 2024. "Potential environmental impacts of floating solar photovoltaic systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).

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