argues that floating solar on many of the world’s reservoirs could provide a significant share of the renewable energy needed to transition away from electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. Here’s the introduction to the study:
“A global commitment to curb anthropogenic global warming necessitates the development of renewable energy sources to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for generating electricity. Solar or photovoltaic power is gaining renewable energy market share because it is economical, quick to install in a wide range of environments and is especially appropriate for smart energy networks.
Drinking water reservoirs, however, tend to exist near population centers and there are no vested interests who are concerned about preserving the surface of those reservoirs. Proximity to urban areas means shorter transmission lines. Decreasing the evaporation from those reservoirs could make enough fresh water available each year to meet the needs of 300 million people., when it comes to problems that need to be solved quickly in a warming world, floating solar panels tick a lot of boxes.
Combine it with desalination and main world problems are sustainably solved
Floating solar modular LED robot farms? Floating on recycled polythene foam? UK tattie yield: ~5.31MMT 38.8T / ha. Loch Ness = 5600ha. Potential: ~217kT, ~4% of UK yield. or ~£28M.
Makes sense and requires no “land”