Floating solar power potential identified on 58 Moroccan dams

A recent scientific study published in npj Clean Energy explores the technical and economic feasibility of installing floating solar panels on 58 dams in Morocco. This initiative aims to generate renewable electricity from existing water surfaces and reduce water loss due to evaporation. Researchers analyzed data from 58 Moroccan dams, whose reservoirs cover approximately 433 square kilometers. These bodies of water lose about 909.46 million cubic meters of water annually through evaporation, with the highest losses occurring in July. The technology involves placing photovoltaic panels on floating platforms on the water's surface, which produces electricity without using agricultural, urban, or industrial land. Additionally, the panels limit direct sun exposure, thereby reducing evaporation. The study highlights that certain dams, such as Al Wahda 183.88 million cubic meters lost annually, Al Massira 131.35 million cubic meters, and Oued El Makhazine 76.86 million cubic meters, account for significant evaporation losses. Morocco benefits from an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and a daily solar irradiation of about 5.80 kWh/m². The study suggests that covering just 1% of the total surface area of the studied dams with floating solar panels could produce a notable amount of electricity with a quick return on investment. A more extensive coverage of about 40% could theoretically meet the national electricity demand, estimated at 42.38 TWh in 2023. While this indicat