A groundbreaking collaborative study from UK institutions has identified a massive untapped energy resource, suggesting that some nations could satisfy their entire electricity demand using floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technology. The research, conducted by scientists at Bangor and Lancaster Universities and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, underscores Africa’s position on the verge of a solar surge, with findings indicating that countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda have the potential to become 100% solar-powered through this method.
A Global Assessment Where UK Researchers Claim Some African Countries Can be 100% Solar Powered
The research team undertook a comprehensive global analysis, evaluating the daily electrical output from FPV systems on nearly 68,000 lakes and reservoirs. To ensure a realistic and low-risk deployment scenario, their calculations were based on conservative criteria. The model only included water bodies near population centers, outside of protected areas, and not prone to drying up or freezing for extended periods. Furthermore, the projections assumed coverage of just 10% of a water body’s surface, capped at 30 square kilometers.
Globally, this conservative approach still revealed a staggering potential to generate 1,302 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—an amount roughly four times the United Kingdom’s yearly consumption. These floating solar panel systems offer a compelling alternative to land-based arrays, preserving valuable land for agriculture and other uses. They also provide environmental co-benefits by covering the water’s surface, which can reduce evaporation and inhibit harmful algal blooms.
Africa’s Renewable Future
The study’s country-level analysis highlights Africa as a region with immense potential. Beyond the capacity for Ethiopia and Rwanda to meet 100% of their needs, many other nations across Africa, South America, and Asia could fulfill between 40% and 70% of their annual electricity requirements with FPV. These findings align with broader analyses showing that Africa’s energy future is renewable, with solar PV expected to outcompete all other power sources continent-wide by 2030.
Dr. Iestyn Woolway of Bangor University stated that while the energy generation potential is clear, the exact ecological effects of FPV are still being studied. “This uncertainty underscores the need for more research to ensure the technology can be adopted safely,” he noted, explaining the team’s choice of a conservative 10% surface coverage model.
Other countries outside Africa also show significant promise. The study found Bolivia could meet 87% of its electricity demand and Tonga 92%. In Europe, Finland could generate 17% of its electricity this way. Even in the UK, FPV could produce 2.7 TWh per year, enough to power approximately one million homes. Currently, one of the largest such installations in the UK is a 6.3 MW farm on London’s Queen Elizabeth II reservoir.
Strategic Deployment is Key
While the potential is enormous, the researchers emphasize that deployment must be strategic. Co-author Professor Alona Armstrong from Lancaster University stressed that any FPV rollout must consider its effects on energy security, the local environment, and social well-being as part of a holistic approach to achieving Net Zero.
Ultimately, the research provides powerful evidence that floating solar panels, made from various photovoltaic materials, represent a viable path for many nations to achieve energy independence. For sun-rich countries, particularly in Africa, this technology could be a transformative component of the continent’s clean energy transition, supporting a future powered entirely by renewables.
Sources
- The first evidence of a take-off in solar in Africa – Ember
- the countries with 100% renewable generation – RatedPower
- AFRICA’S ENERGY FUTURE IS RENEWABLE
- New Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative Will Help …
- Africa Could Be on the Verge of a Solar Surge, Study Shows
- World’s First Country Powered 100 Percent by Solar