A new study, featured in Nature Energy, sheds light on the potential of Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) in Africa’s energy landscape. It reveals that FPV, installed on major reservoirs, could generate 20-100% of the electricity anticipated from planned hydropower dams. Conducted at a continental scale using advanced energy planning models, the research demonstrates the cost competitiveness of FPV alongside other renewables, offering a promising addition to Africa’s future energy mix.
Lead author Wyatt Arnold notes, “Floating solar is rapidly becoming cost-competitive, potentially negating the necessity for many proposed hydropower dams in Africa.” This approach not only meets future electricity demands but also avoids the detrimental environmental and social impacts associated with large dam constructions.
A detailed case study on the Zambezi watercourse illustrates how capital investments intended for new dam projects could be utilized more effectively by incorporating floating solar. This strategy, compared to dam-centric solutions, results in lower interannual variability in electricity supply and greater resilience to potential long-term drought conditions exacerbated by climate change.
Professor Andrea Castelletti underscores the significance of integrating floating solar into energy planning, stating, “By embracing floating solar and reducing reliance on hydropower, developing economies can ensure a more stable energy supply resilient to hydrological uncertainties.”
The study advocates for a holistic approach to resource planning, emphasizing the need to consider transboundary impacts. Multisector modeling can help balance tradeoffs across energy, agriculture, environmental protection, and economic development objectives within river basins.
Prof. Matteo Giuliani highlights the potential benefits of strategic FPV deployments, suggesting they outweigh the impacts on existing reservoir uses. However, responsible deployment requires continued improvement in FPV technology and robust stakeholder engagement processes.
While acknowledging technical and social constraints, the authors argue that FPV offers a less disruptive alternative to new hydropower dam construction. It minimizes environmental damage, community displacement, and regional tensions over shared water resources, making it a compelling option for Africa’s sustainable energy future.