An innovative project in California, United States, aims to cover 6400 km of canals with solar panels.
The goal is to generate clean energy and also reduce water evaporation by up to 70%. How do they plan to do it.
Innovative: Seeking to Cover Canals with Solar Panels
The California Solar Canals Initiative (CSCI), led by the University of Southern California (USC), aims to install solar panels over the state’s canals to conserve water, generate renewable energy, and make use of existing infrastructure without utilizing valuable land.
In this regard, the CSCI proposes an innovative solution to address two of California’s major challenges: efficient water use and the transition to renewable energy sources.
The project involves installing solar panels over the more than 6400 kilometers of canals in the state, which would allow for the generation of clean electricity while reducing water evaporation.
Without Altering Ecosystems
One of the main benefits of the CSCI is that it does not require occupying new lands. Unlike other projects that need large land extensions, this initiative utilizes existing infrastructure, avoiding conflicts with agricultural lands, natural habitats, or urban areas.
The installation of solar panels over canals allows for shading the water, significantly reducing evaporation. This is becoming an increasingly serious issue due to rising temperatures.
In previous tests, scientists estimated a reduction in evaporation between 45% and 70% in the covered sections.
Project Details, Point by Point
- Reduces water evaporation: conserves a critical resource.
- Pilot project, successful in 2023: basis for statewide expansion.
- Collaboration of 7 universities: multidisciplinary approach.
- Clean energy + water savings.
- Makes use of existing infrastructure: does not compete with agricultural or urban use.
- State and academic support: strong institutional backing.
The aim is to also address access to drinking water.
Electricity Generated
It is worth noting that, in addition to conserving water, clean energy will be generated without the need to deforest or modify agricultural soils.
Initial estimates suggest that if all the state’s canals were covered, up to 13 gigawatts of electricity could be generated, enough to supply around 10 million households.
University Participation
The initiative, led by USC, involves the participation of seven academic institutions and the support of various state agencies.
This allows the project to be approached from multiple angles: engineering, urban planning, environmental law, and community analysis, among others.
Furthermore, they aim to analyze how these projects affect nearby communities, especially those in vulnerable situations, so that benefits such as lower energy costs and access to water reach those who need them most.
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