Solar energy is no longer limited by land. In fact, Asian countries are exploring large-scale floating solar panels as a new opportunity for unlimited power supply.
Expansion. Floating solar energy was once considered a niche technology suitable for freshwater reservoirs and lakes. However, it’s now expanding to offshore installations. According to forecasts by energy analytics provider Wood Mackenzie, the global floating solar market is expected to reach 77 GW of installed capacity by 2033.
China currently leads the way with more than 700 GW of solar capacity, indicating that the growth of floating solar is just beginning. Following China, India and Indonesia are poised to become key players in this sector, positioning Asia to spearhead the expansion of floating solar systems.
Open water. The search for areas without space constraints is driving offshore developments, including the installation of large-scale solar farms. China has begun connecting floating offshore solar installations to the grid. A 1 GW project in Dongying, East China, is one notable example. This initiative is supported by government policies that promote favorable solar irradiation and construction conditions.
Meanwhile, the state-owned company Huaneng Group has also installed the first offshore photovoltaic platform designed to withstand sea waves.
Other projects at sea. In addition to floating solar projects, China has been active with several offshore wind energy initiatives for some time. One of these is a 20 MW offshore wind turbine, which manufacturer Mingyang engineered to withstand typhoons. The company has also developed the Ocean X, a floating wind turbine expected to produce 54,000 MWh annually.
Additionally, the Chinese state-owned Dongfang Electric Corporation manufactured the world’s largest offshore wind turbine. It boasts a capacity of 26 MW, making it the largest in both capacity and size.
India and Indonesia. Both Asian countries are also leading the development of offshore solar panels. In India, the power company THDC India is seeking consultants as it evaluates installing floating solar projects across the country. Additionally, Tata Power Renewable Energy has commissioned a 126 MW solar system on a lake in Central India.
At the same time, a significant project is underway in Indonesia: A 2.2 GW dam initiative that, if completed, would become the largest in the world.
Other countries are following suit. While Asia is leading the way, other nations, particularly in Africa, are also exploring the potential of floating solar panels. Zimbabwe is collaborating with mining groups to construct a 250 MW solar plant at the Kariba Dam, with ambitions to expand to 1 GW. In Ghana, authorities have already established a 5 MW system on a reservoir, with plans to increase capacity to 15 MW. In addition, Cape Town in South Africa has completed several smaller solar projects.
Overall, Africa, with its abundant sunshine and limited water resources, is capitalizing on these new projects to meet its energy needs.
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