Floating solar on US reservoirs could add up to 1TW PV capacity

Published: Jan 24, 2025 13:55

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A recent study by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveals that floating solar (FPV) on U.S. reservoirs could provide up to 1 terawatt (TW) of generation capacity.

A recent study by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveals that floating solar (FPV) on U.S. reservoirs could provide up to 1 terawatt (TW) of generation capacity. The study estimates that between 861GW and 1,042GWdc of FPV could be deployed across U.S. reservoirs, potentially generating up to 1,476TWh of electricity. It is conservatively estimated that 861GW of FPV capacity could contribute over half of the 1.6TW of solar PV capacity required to decarbonize the U.S. grid by 2050.
Parallel research from the Idaho National Laboratory has identified 849 U.S. reservoirs with the potential to host FPV projects. Among these, the Salton Sea in California stands out with a potential capacity of 76.6GW. Other states with high FPV potential include Texas (137GW), California (102GW), and Oklahoma (84GW).
In related news, Ciel & Terre has completed a 20MW FPV project in eastern France, the largest in the region, using its aiR Optim technology to improve plant efficiency and reduce maintenance.

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