Floating solar farms on reservoirs: a path to cleaner energy

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Floating photovoltaic parks planned for reservoirs and water bodies

If possible, photovoltaic installations could be placed on reservoirs and other water layers. The recently proposed decree by the government aims to expand renewable energy production by leveraging these aquatic environments.

The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge has presented the royal decree detailing how floating photovoltaic facilities would operate in the public hydraulic domain or other public hydraulic infrastructures connected to electricity networks. This initiative is part of measures recently approved in the National Plan to address the economic and social consequences of the war in Ukraine.

The government confirms that floating solar installations will raise Spain’s renewable electricity capacity, accelerating the energy transition and helping decarbonize the economy.

Reservoir in Andalusia area of interest

The ministry notes several environmental benefits of these plants: reduced evaporation from water bodies, less algae growth, and enhanced energy output due to the cooling effect of water and reduced dust.

Installing floating solar on reservoirs and other public hydraulic facilities will boost renewable electricity generation, a key step in accelerating energy transition and reducing the nation’s exposure to extraordinary events like the current crisis.

It will also support the targets set out in the Climate Change and Energy Transformation Law, which aims for a 42 percent share of renewables in final consumption and 74 percent renewable generation by 2030.

This floating solar capacity will complement hydroelectric power production, enabling greater generation from hydro facilities and optimising their transmission and evacuation networks. These installations are anticipated to surpass land-based systems in energy efficiency thanks to water cooling and dust reduction.

Floating solar panels intergia.es

The Royal Decree intends to specify the conditions that permits must meet and the administrative concessions needed to operate these photovoltaic plants, enabling a more sustainable use of public hydraulic space and better protection of water bodies.

In more than a hundred reservoirs

Regulations set a maximum of three floating plants per reservoir and a partial coverage ratio that depends on the trophic state of each water body. Poorer water quality allows greater coverage: mesotrophic reservoirs allow up to 5 percent, eutrophic up to 15 percent, and hypereutrophic up to 20 percent. Provisions exclude oligotrophic reservoirs with low biological productivity, as well as natural lakes or lagoons of natural origin.

There are about a hundred state-owned reservoirs suitable for such facilities. Miteco and watershed organizations will monitor each reservoir to ensure compliance with environmental targets and the agreed coverage ratios.

Temporary concessions

Floating photovoltaic plants within the public hydraulic domain will be granted through temporary concessions for up to 25 years. Potential concessionaires must secure a connection permit to the transmission or distribution network and conduct studies on possible effects on the water body.

In addition, watershed organizations may require technical reports from the concessionaire to assess impact on water management, safety and operation of infrastructure, environmental compatibility, and guarantees of water supply, in line with hydrological planning.

Reservoir ef

As part of the process, watershed bodies may request independent studies to evaluate ecological and operational implications, ensuring responsible use of public hydraulic space and alignment with environmental safeguards.

Monitoring and evaluation programs

The introduction of floating solar plants is expected to benefit both energy production and the environment. The shade cast on the water surface can reduce evaporation and algae growth in freshwater systems, while limiting land-use changes associated with onshore facilities.

Since floating photovoltaics are a relatively new concept, ongoing monitoring programs will be established to understand their characteristics, potential effects, and commissioning requirements. Authorities will issue guidelines and technical recommendations to guide implementation and will closely track the development of these facilities.

Overall, the decree aims to create a clear framework for sustainable use of public hydraulic spaces, contributing to a resilient and low-emission energy system while maintaining water security and ecosystem health.

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