- A massive floating solar farm in India is visible from space, according to NASA images. The installation generates a combined 216 megawatts of power, enough to supply electricity for around 140,000 homes.
- Environmentalists have billed floating solar projects as a way to generate renewable energy while conserving both land and water, reducing land-use requirements by more than 50% and evaporation by up to 70%.
- Some scientists warn of potential ecological impacts from these aquatic developments, which are also subject to higher costs –– around 25% more expensive than land-based installations.
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A large-scale floating solar farm in India is visible from space, according to newly released images from NASA. These images showcase the scale that some of these aquatic renewable energy installations can reach, dramatically altering the appearance of the water bodies they occupy.
What are the specifics of India’s floating solar project?
Situated on a Narmada River reservoir covering more than 35 square miles and holding a capacity of 987 million cubic meters, the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in central India was installed as part of two separate projects commissioned in 2024. Together, the installations are capable of generating 216 megawatts of electricity — enough to supply approximately 140,000 average homes with power.-
What are the benefits of floating solar projects?
Many environmental advocates tout floating solar projects like this one as a greener alternative to land-based solar farms. These projects aim to maximize solar energy generation while conserving both land and water. Experts say these systems can reduce land-use requirements by more than 50% compared to traditional solar farms. They also offer the added benefit of mitigating water evaporation by up to 70% due to the shade provided by the panels.
What are the arguments against floating solar projects?
However, some scientists warn that large-scale floating solar installations may disrupt aquatic ecosystems, restrict access to surface water resources, and cause changes in water temperature that could potentially impact local wildlife.
Additionally, these types of renewable energy projects can be much more expensive than their land-based counterparts. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that floating solar systems typically cost around 25% more to build than conventional ground-mounted solar farms due to the specialized floats and anchoring systems required.
What happens next?
Despite these challenges, researchers still see immense energy-generating potential in floating solar projects. Estimates suggest that expanding floating solar farms worldwide could generate enough electricity annually to meet the United Kingdom’s energy needs four times over. Still, environmental and economic challenges have limited the rapid expansion of such developments.