Floating solar panels on 1% of reservoirs ‘could double’ Africa’s hydropower capacity

Solar panels floating on the lakes formed by Africa’s hydropower dams could be a major new source of power, according to a new study.

1.Floating solar could be a valuable tool to help African nations expand their power infrastructure sustainably.

2.If panels covered 1% of reservoirs, this alone could double African hydropower capacity and increase electricity generation from dams by 50%.

3.But unknowns remain, such as the impacts on water quality and technical challenges including the impact of bird fouling and corrosion.

If these panels covered just 1% of reservoirs, this alone could double African hydropower capacity and increase electricity generation from dams by 50%.

Hydro dams are the largest renewable power source in a continent where millions of people still lack access to electricity. However, their future potential could be hampered by climate change.