Almería has opted for floating solar energy as a measure to combat drought, while Aragón has decided to ban this technique. Last July, the Council of Ministers approved a Royal Decree regulating the granting of permits for floating solar installations in public reservoirs.
In this article we are going to tell you how Almería implements floating solar energy to combat drought and what this type of technique consists of.
What events have occurred in Almería?
The agricultural sector is exploring all possible avenues to advance the energy transition, placing special emphasis on reservoirs, which, in addition to serving as energy storage systems, are being used to install solar panels in reservoirs and irrigation ditches. Unlike Aragon, Almeria is participating in this initiative.
The floating solar photovoltaic installation built in the Abellán reservoir, provided by SEIASA, dependent on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has been presented to farmers in Almería. This initiative has involved an investment of 1.143.545,90 euros.
The floating solar park will generate the energy needed to pump water into the Ballabona reservoir, benefiting 150 irrigators who manage 800 hectares of land. This initiative will lead to a reduction in energy costs and an increase in the supply of water for irrigation.
What progress is being made in Aragon?
Unlike Almería, a very different decision has been taken in Aragón. The Aragonese Parliament has decreed a ban on installing floating photovoltaic panels in reservoirs.
The Council of Ministers is expected to approve a Royal Decree regulating the installation of these systems in July. However, Aragon has opted for an alternative solution, considering that it is a problem of landscape and drought, in addition to the difficulties associated with the significant solar and wind potential of the region.
Solar panels as a solution to drought
Contrary to what one might expect, the installation of floating solar panels on reservoirs serves to reduce water evaporation in regions suffering from drought. By hiding part of the reservoir's surface, these panels limit direct exposure to sunlight and wind, so the energy produced helps transport water to alternative locations.
Last July, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a Royal Decree to regulate permits for floating solar installations in public reservoirs. This decree stipulates that coverage can range between 5% and 15% of the usable surface, depending on the quality of the water, determined by the level of Eurofization.
The facilities must be aligned with the Hydrological Plan and the environmental conditions of the reservoir for a period of up to 25 years, thus ensuring a sustainable incorporation of these infrastructures. Spain is particularly characterised by its multitude of reservoirs and, currently, by the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. The excess energy generated by clean energy initiatives needs appropriate storage solutions.
Renewable energy projects have therefore identified reservoirs as optimal storage sites. This approach allows surplus energy to be retained while helping to stabilise the power grid.
What is floating solar energy?
Floating solar is an innovative way to harness the sun's energy using solar panels installed on water surfaces, such as lakes, reservoirs, or even oceans. Unlike traditional systems that are placed on land or rooftops, this technology allows the panels to float on structures specifically designed to remain stable on water.
The operation of floating solar energy is similar to that of terrestrial solar systems: The panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using photovoltaic cells. The main difference lies in their location, which offers a number of advantages. For example, by being above water, the panels benefit from lower temperatures, which improves their efficiency compared to those exposed to higher temperatures on land. In addition, this solution helps reduce water evaporation in reservoirs and limits algae growth, contributing to the sustainable management of water resources.
Another important advantage is that floating solar energy does not compete for space with activities such as agriculture or urban development, making it an attractive option for regions where land is limited. However, its implementation also faces challenges, such as higher initial costs and the need to design systems that can withstand waves, corrosion and inclement weather.
How floating solar can help with drought
Floating solar energy could be especially beneficial in regions such as Almería, where drought is a problem. This type of energy offers specific advantages that could contribute to both electricity generation and the preservation of water resources.
Reducing evaporation in reservoirs
In an arid area like Almería, water evaporation in reservoirs and other reserves is a significant challenge. Floating solar panels They act as a kind of cover that reduces the direct exposure of water to the sun, decreasing the amount of water that evaporates.. This helps conserve essential resources for agriculture, human consumption and other uses.
Optimization of available resources
In Almeria, Fertile land is limited and highly valued for agricultural activities, especially for intensive crops such as greenhouses. Floating solar energy makes it possible to harness water surfaces, freeing up soil for agricultural production. This allows for more efficient use of natural resources without sacrificing energy production.
Production of clean and sustainable energy
Generating electricity through floating solar panels is a renewable and sustainable source, which can supply greenhouses, irrigation systems and local communities. Thanks to this, dependence on more expensive or polluting energy sources is reduced, also contributing to the fight against climate change, which aggravates drought problems.
Control of algae growth
The shading provided by the floating panels reduces water temperature and light incidence, limiting algae growth. Thus, It is possible to improve the quality of water stored in reservoirs, reducing the costs associated with its treatment and conservation.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about how Almería is implementing floating solar energy to combat drought.