Floating PV Potential and Technology Validation

Summary

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is conducting research on Floating PV (FPV) to address challenges like land use competition and the food-energy-water nexus. Global and regional assessments indicate significant FPV technical potential, with estimations ranging from 161-372 GW for hydro reservoirs in Europe and 861-1042 GW for federal reservoirs in the US. Specific studies identified 11.1 GW of FPV potential across 1,900 waterbodies in Colorado and 636 MW across 55 waterbodies in Puerto Rico. NREL also performs technology validation using facilities like a 14-meter-long wave tank and a Large-Amplitude Motion Platform capable of handling payloads up to 22,000 pounds.

Key Facts

Source Document

https://example-government.gov/policy-document-link