| Floating solar


Left: Floating solar project at Yamakura Dam in Japan


References


Cameroon’s potential The untapped photovoltaic potential of Cameroon’s


hydropower reservoirs could help to secure the country’s sustainable energy future. Cameroon has a long-term, and future, reliance on hydropower which forms the backbone of its electricity production. Recent research funded by the International Development Association and carried out by AFRY has shown that installing FPVs on reservoirs offers benefits for Cameroon that include: Short-term energy solution: FPVs offer a rapid deployment alternative to the lengthy construction times of traditional large-scale hydroelectric plants. This aligns perfectly with Cameroon’s immediate need to bridge the current power capacity deficit. Economic viability: While the long-term economic


benefits within the 2035 development plan may be limited, the potential for FPVs to provide interim support and replace thermal power plants in operation cannot be overlooked. As a sustainable and green alternative, this technology opens the doors to international funding opportunities.


The installation of FPVs on existing and planned reservoirs in Cameroon has a theoretical potential of more than 2000kWh/m2


at selected sites, with


maximum feasible potential up to 100MW each. Such potential is dependent upon local conditions and limitations, such as local geology and social and environmental factors. Development of FPV at the Mbakaou and Lagdo reservoirs appears to be the most attractive and is recommended for further studies.


Decarbonization potential of floating solar photovoltaics on lakes worldwide by R. Iestyn Woolway, Gang Zhao, Sofia Midauar Gondim Rocha, Stephen J. Thackeray & Alona Armstrong. Nature Water. Volume 2. June


2024. 566–576 www.nature. com/articles/s44221-024- 00251-4


The potential for floating solar in the UK


Hydrological Risk Mitigation in Cameroon by Floating PV Plant Installation by N. R. Fjoesne and J. Lalouette, AFRY; and L Podie,


MINEE. https://afry.com/ sites/default/files/2024-06/ hydrological_risk_mitigation_ in_cameroon_by_floating_pv_ plant_installation.pdf


Projects under development


Tigo Energy, Inc announced that Apollo Flutuantes, a solar development company, will use 97,200 Tigo TS4-X-O MLPE optimizers for Brazil’s largest floating solar installation. The project, set to be completed by December 2025, will be built on the Lajeado hydroelectric power plant reservoir in Tocantins. Brazil currently ranks eighth globally in solar energy generation and expects continued growth in the renewable sector. The floating solar plant will feature eighteen solar islands, using platforms designed to boost energy output from bifacial solar panels. These platforms reflect sunlight to maximize energy production. Tigo’s optimizers will provide module-level monitoring, safety, and efficiency. The TS4-X-O MLPE devices can support high-power solar modules up to 800 watts and are essential for optimizing the energy produced on the water. Construction has also begun on Korea’s largest floating solar


power facility, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) has announced. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 24


for the Imha Dam’s Floating Photovoltaic Energy Cluster Project at the Independence Movement Memorial Hall in Andong, attended by around 100 people, including locals and key figures such as Sang-jo Yoon, Head of KHNP Green Energy Business Division, K-water CEO Seog-dae Yun, and Andong-si Mayor Gi- chang Kwon. The project aims to maintain a zero-accident record and


achieve commercial development. With a capacity of 47MW, it will be the largest floating solar facility on a multipurpose dam in Korea. The facility’s design will feature elements resembling the Korean flag and the Mugunghwa, Korea’s national flower, to blend with the environment. Andong-si is participating as the execution organization, with KHNP and K-water as co-developers and Top Solar as the constructor. The project includes a benefit-sharing model, allowing around 4500 local residents within a 1 km radius to invest and share in the profits.


www.waterpowermagazine.com | December 2024 | 39


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