Floating solar |


solar power system floating on the reservoir. More details on this project can be found in our feature focusing on South America on p12. Across the pond in France, EDF Group has inaugurated the Lazer floating solar power plant in the Hautes-Alpes, the first for its EDF Renewables subsidiary in France and the first to combine photovoltaic and hydroelectric production on the same site. The installation effectively doubles the renewable electricity production capacity of the existing hydroelectric site. With over 50,000 solar panels, the Lazer floating


Above: EDF Group has opened its first floating solar power plant on the Lazer hydropower plant reservoir in the French Alps


Institute of Power China Chengdu in 2016, the Kela


solar-hydropower project boasts an impressive installed capacity of 1GW and is projected to generate 2GWh annually. By harnessing the power of the sun and the river, this initiative is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.6 million tonnes per year. Furthermore, the project’s overall planned capacity is anticipated to reach an impressive 3GW, serving as a pivotal force in China’s ambitious sustainability endeavors. As the inaugural phase of the Lianghekou hydropower


plant, the commencement of operations at the Kela station represents the beginning of the Yalong River basin’s transformation into a prominent hub for clean energy in China. This development will play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s net-zero commitments and forging a greener, more sustainable future. “China is leading the way in renewable energy.


We congratulate Yalong Hydro for this deployment of the world’s largest hybrid solar-hydropower plant,” said Eddie Rich, the International Hydropower Association’s Chief Executive Officer. “Hybrid PVs have huge capacity to contribute to meeting global energy demands while making use of hydropower’s flexibility and storage capabilities. This is a major step in the right direction for meeting net zero targets.” The significance of projects like the Kela station, as emphasized in the 2023 World Hydropower Outlook, lies in their ability to exemplify the critical role that sustainable hydropower plays in the energy transition. By combining the flexibility and storage capabilities of hydropower with the intermittent nature of solar energy, these hybrid projects ensure round-the-clock electricity supply, guaranteeing a reliable, safe, and low-carbon power system. Moreover, in addition to enhancing grid flexibility, the Kela station will support the development of various local industries such as agriculture, tourism, and transportation, aligning with the key themes outlined in the World Hydropower Outlook. He Shengming, Deputy General Manager of Yalong


Hydro, expressed his delight at the inauguration of the Kela power station, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on Chengdu citizens. He remarked, “We are delighted to see the Kela power station begin producing electricity for Chengdu citizens who suffered from power shortages during last summer’s heatwave. The Kela PV station connected into the Lianghekou hydropower plant as a virtual generator breaks ground for the clean energy base building in China.” It’s not just China that is making inroads. Also in late June, South America’s largest floating solar project was launched at Colombia’s Urrá Dam. The project, developed by Noria Energy, encompasses a 1.5MW


46 | August 2023 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


solar power plant boasts an installed capacity of 20MWp. This soutput is expected to meet the annual electricity consumption needs of approximately 12,500 people. The project aligns with France’s goals to achieve 100GW of solar capacity by 2050. The primary aim of the solar power plant is to complement the dam’s operations, particularly during the summer months when water from Lazer Lake is primarily used for crop irrigation. The anchoring and float system of the plant allows it to adapt to changes in the reservoir’s water level without impacting its functionality. The journey of the Lazer floating solar power plant began in 2017, and it emerged as the winner of the Energy Regulation Commission’s call for tenders in 2018. A crowdfunding campaign in 2021 successfully raised funds from local residents, allowing them to invest up to €179,000. Construction commenced the same year, involving geotechnical studies and the installation of anchors. The photovoltaic panels were assembled on floats, forming islands that were transported to their final location by boat. The plant is now operational and expected to operate for approximately three decades. Bruno Bensasson, Executive Director of EDF


Group’s Renewable Energies Division, highlighted the significance of the Lazer floating solar power plant in terms of innovation and expertise within the EDF Group: “For this first in France, EDF Renewables relied on its know-how developed abroad with four floating solar power plants built in the United States and Israel. By coexisting two sources of renewable electricity production on the same site, this project contributes to the achievement of the French objectives of carbon neutrality by 2050 while reducing the pressure on ordinary land.” In addition to the Lazer facility, EDF Renewables


plans to commission further new solar power plants in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in 2023, bringing their total solar production capacity in the area to 85MW. Furthermore, EDF Renewables is currently constructing the first pilot floating offshore wind farm, which will be located approximately 17 km off the coast of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône.


New developments Enel Green Power has begun construction of a new


solar power plant at the Montelupone hydroelectric power plant in the Marche region of Italy. The initiative involves the installation of a photovoltaic roof over a diversion channel. The 1km-long photovoltaic roof will have a capacity of 1MW, generating enough clean energy to power approximately 450 households. This setup is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 580 tons and save approximately 300 thousand cubic meters of methane consumption.


One of the significant advantages of this project is


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