Decentralizing renewable energy production and embracing floating solar energy systems can play a significant role in Portugal's transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Renewable Energies Chair at the University of Évora has shed light on the vast potential of floating solar installations in the country, with the Alentejo region standing out as a prime candidate for harnessing this innovative technology.
The study's findings indicate that the Alentejo region, situated in south-central and southern Portugal, boasts the most favorable conditions for floating solar systems. This conclusion takes into account the available water surface and solar resources within the region. Even after considering an 85% reduction in the national water surface area and incorporating specific technical and environmental criteria, the study estimates that the potential capacity of floating solar energy systems could reach a remarkable 10.8GW nationally.
Luís Fialho, a researcher at the Alentejo academy's Renewable Energies Chair, emphasizes the significance of this study in the context of decarbonizing Portugal's electricity production. He stresses the importance of shifting towards renewable sources to achieve affordable and sustainable electricity generation. Fialho's words underscore the pressing need for innovative solutions that can propel the country towards a greener energy landscape.
The Alentejo region, primarily due to the expansive Alqueva lake, offers the largest available area for floating solar deployment, accounting for 32% of the national total. Additionally, the southernmost regions of Portugal, including the Algarve, exhibit similar potential solar resources to the Alentejo. The central region of the country accounts for 27% of available area, while the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region follows closely with 15%.
Floating photovoltaic technology presents several advantages that make it an attractive proposition for Portugal's renewable energy goals. By utilizing potentially unused water bodies, these installations reduce land occupation, addressing concerns related to limited space availability. Moreover, installing solar panels over water can potentially increase energy yield while simultaneously minimizing evaporation rates.
Fialho describes the study as an insightful mapping of potential areas suitable for floating solar systems across the country. By examining the relationship between solar radiation availability and the geographical distribution of water bodies, the analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Portugal's potential to embrace floating solar energy systems.
The study's findings highlight the remarkable potential of floating solar installations in Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo region. As the country strives to achieve its renewable energy targets and mitigate the effects of climate change, leveraging this untapped resource could prove instrumental in realizing a sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity production system.
