A new study published in the journal Energy Conversion and Management has assessed the techno-economic feasibility of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems on 58 Moroccan dams. Led by researcher Abdelilah Mouhaya, the analysis found that covering just 10% of the dams' surface area with FPV panels could generate approximately 66 GWh of electricity per year, while simultaneously reducing water evaporation by an estimated 1.5 billion cubic meters annually.
The study, titled 'Techno-economic feasibility analysis of floating photovoltaic systems on 58 Moroccan dams: energy potential, economic viability, and water evaporation,' highlights a dual benefit: renewable energy production and water conservation. Morocco, which faces chronic water stress and relies heavily on energy imports, could leverage its existing dam infrastructure to address both challenges. The research considered factors such as solar irradiance, water surface area, and local climate data across the country.
Economically, the study found that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for such FPV systems would be competitive with traditional solar farms, ranging from $0.04 to $0.06 per kWh, depending on installation scale and location. The initial investment required is estimated at $1.2 billion for the full 66 GWh capacity, with a payback period of 8 to 10 years. The authors note that FPV systems also benefit from the cooling effect of water, which can increase panel efficiency by 5-10% compared to land-based installations.
Environmental benefits extend beyond water savings: FPV panels reduce algae growth by shading the water surface, and they avoid land use conflicts associated with ground-mounted solar farms. However, the study cautions that careful environmental impact assessments are needed to avoid disrupting aquatic ecosystems. The researchers recommend pilot projects on a few dams before large-scale deployment.
This research comes as Morocco pursues its National Energy Strategy, aiming for 52% of installed capacity from renewables by 2030. The country already operates the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the world's largest concentrated solar power plants. Floating solar could complement these efforts, particularly in regions where land is scarce or expensive.
