World Bank: Floating Solar Power Holds 400 GW Global Potential
The World Bank has revealed a significant global potential for floating solar power, with over 400 GW capacity possible. This innovative approach not only generates clean energy but also conserves water and reduces land-use conflicts.
Floating solar panels can be highly efficient, operating 5% to 15% better than land-based counterparts due to natural cooling. Egypt's Lake Nasser, if half-covered, could save 9.07 billion m3 of water annually by reducing evaporation by 61.7%, while producing 467.99 TWh of electricity each year. Similarly, in Brazil's Passaúna Reservoir, a 130 kW project conserved 4.47 million m3 of water in a single year by cutting evaporation by around 60%.
India stands to gain significantly from this technology. States like Maharashtra could unlock nearly 57,891 MW from reservoirs, while the country as a whole has around 18,000 km2 of water surface that could host floating solar projects, generating up to 280 GW of electricity. This strategy connects energy generation with resource conservation, delivering benefits across environmental, social, and economic lines. It transforms idle land and water bodies into productive clean-energy assets, directly displacing fossil fuel power and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The World Bank's findings highlight the immense potential of floating solar power. By harnessing existing water bodies, we can generate clean energy, conserve water, and reduce land-use conflicts. This innovative approach offers a triple win, benefiting the environment, society, and the economy.
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