Floating solar photovoltaic systems (FPV) are gaining traction thanks to their potential for higher energy yield and efficiency compared to conventional land-based solar PV systems. FPV gaining traction slowlyWorldwide installed capacity of FPV power plants reached more than 3GW in 2021, from just 100MW in 2016. While RE consumption is high in European countries, China has taken the lead in FPV energy production with a 320MW FPV plant in operation since 2021. The Central Electricity Board of Mauritius in early 2023 invited bids for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a 2MWac floating solar power plant at Tamarind Falls Reservoir. In late 2022, China installed a pilot-scale two-floater 0.5MWp marine FPV system in the Yellow Sea, outside Shandong, which integrates FPV with offshore wind.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 16, 2024 15:38 UTC