Potential assessment of floating photovoltaic solar power in China and its environmental effect

The growth of fossil global energy consumption is accompanied by greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming. To cope with global climate change, the development of renewable energy is imminent. Solar energy is one of the renewable energy and will be developed widely. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) has many advantages compared with land-based photovoltaics. Combined with China's energy demand and emission reduction targets, and China's water area and solar radiation distribution, this study estimated the development potential of floating photovoltaics in China and its potential environmental impact. The results showed that: (1) the power generation while 31.1% and 49.5% of inland waters were covered with FPV could meet China's energy consumption in 2030 and 2060. (2) If solar energy was used instead of fossil energy, CO₂ emission reduction could meet China's carbon emission reduction targets of 2030 and 2060 when 7.3% and 41.7% of inland waters were covered with FPV. (3) Because FPV reduces water surface evaporation, the saving water resources would be equivalent to the water transfer volume of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in 2050 when 27.5% of inland waters were covered with FPV. Although FPV has great potential in providing renewable power and reducing CO₂ emissions, the impact of FPV on water quality should be assessed fully and rigorously. The research can provide a reference for the development and utilization of solar energy in China.