China has taken huge steps in the development of renewable energies, especially in the marine field, but its ambitious progress could come at a high cost. In its eagerness to lead the energy transition, the Asian giant has strongly invested in projects such as floating solar energy and offshore wind. However, this massive expansion raises doubts about the environmental impact and the future of its marine ecosystems, especially regarding the risk of losing its seas.
The concept of floating solar energy consists of installing solar panels on bodies of water such as reservoirs, dams, and seas. This technology allows for the use of unused spaces on land and reduces water evaporation in certain areas. According to Wood Mackenzie forecasts, the global market for floating solar energy will reach 77 GW of installed capacity by 2033, with China leading the sector.
China, which already has over 700 GW of solar capacity, is pushing this technology to new limits. In this sense, the state-owned company CHN Energy completed the installation of a 1 GW marine solar energy project in Shandong province, while Huaneng Group built platforms capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the open sea.
Additionally, the country has also advanced in offshore wind energy, with innovations such as the Mingyang marine wind turbine, designed to withstand typhoons, and the turbine from Dongfang Electric Corporation, the world’s largest with a capacity of 26 MW.
Solar panels over the water in China. Photo: X/ @actualidadRT.
Environmental Impact and Criticism for the Risk of Losing its Seas
Despite its achievements, this massive expansion has raised concerns. Large-scale projects over water could alter marine ecosystems, affect biodiversity, and pose long-term sustainability issues. In fact, the installation of solar panels and wind turbines in open seas poses risks of pollution, harm to marine fauna, and disruptions in ocean currents.
After taking this initiative, China faces the challenge of finding a balance between its ambition to lead the energy transition and the need to preserve its seas. Without adequate regulations and a thorough analysis of environmental impacts, the price of this race towards renewables could be too high.
This means that China, with its aggressive and pioneering approach in the sector, has the opportunity to establish a model for the sustainable development of marine renewable energies, but only if it manages to prioritize the health of its seas and ecosystems.
The Importance of Seas for the Environment
Seas are crucial for the environment because they regulate the climate, produce oxygen, are a source of food, and provide drinking water.
- Regulate the climate: seas absorb 23% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by human activity. Additionally, they absorb 90% of the excess heat caused by climate change, while controlling the water cycle and oceanic and atmospheric circulation.
- Produce oxygen: seas are Earth’s main source of oxygen.
- Source of food: these massive bodies of water are a food source for humans, such as fish, shellfish, mammals, and algae.
- Provide drinking water: seas hold 97% of the planet’s water.
However, human activity is threatening the seas. Among the threats are pollution from plastic waste, overfishing, and climate change.
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