Where is the world’s biggest floating solar power plant located in 2024? It is in China and has a capacity of 320 MW. The name of this project is Hangzhou Fengling Electricity Science Technology Solar Farm or Huaneng Dezhou Dingzhuang Reservoir Solar PV Park. There are also a few more of the world’s biggest floating solar power plants in 2024 such as Three Gorges New Energy’s floating solar farm of 150 MW, CECEP Floating Solar Firm, China- 70 MW, Siridhorn Dam Floating Solar Farm 45 MW, Thailand, Sembcorp Floating Solar Farm, etc.
Further, you will learn more about the world’s largest floating solar power plant, what a floating solar power station is, how a floating PV station works, and many more. So, stick with OPEN READ till the end to find out more.
World’s Biggest Floating Solar Power Plant in 2024?
Floating power station operation is similar to some other biggest grounded mounted solar power plants. However, floating PV plants are beneficial in many aspects. They generate electricity most conveniently. They generate more power than the traditional solar power plant. It also has a reduced installation cost. So, let’s learn about the biggest floating solar power plant in the world through the points below.
1. Hangzhou Fengling Electricity Science Technology Solar Farm 320 MW
Hangzhou Fengling Electricity Science Technology Solar Farm is also called Dezhou DingZuang Floating Solar Farm. The Dezhou DingZuang Floating Solar Farm is located in Zhejiang province, China. Its total capacity is 320 MW. In 2024 It is the world’s biggest floating solar power plant. Its construction has been completed and operation was started in 2017. It will be connected to the grid in two phases. 200 MW phase was already connected to the grid in 2017.
A new 120 MW (2nd phase) has been connected to the national grid also. The second phase was connected in the year 2021. However, it has 8 MWH of energy storage capacity. Also, it has a wind farm that has a capacity of 100 MW electricity. The project is currently active.
Huaneng Power International owns the project. The company manages hydropower plants through the company, which owns 50% of its shares. The solar plant was built on a reservoir. The company also works in coal-fired power plants. It also operates gas turbine power plants. The company’s headquarters is in Beijing, China. However, 100,000 homes can use this power and 2 phases generate 352 million KWh. It may drive $45 million in revenue in a year.
The project has a total capacity of 320 MW. Moreover, it generates 550,000 MWH of electricity. The project was built in two phases. The first phase could produce electricity with a capacity of 200 MW. The second phase could produce 120 MW capacity of electricity. From the 2nd phase will be charged $0.12 per KWh.
Dezhou DingZuang Floating Solar Farm specifications
- Project name: Hangzhou Fengling Electricity Science Technology Solar Farm or Huaneng Dezhou Dingzhuang Reservoir Solar PV Park.
- Technology type: Floating solar
- Plant Total Capacity: 320 MW
- Starting date: 2020
- Completion date: 2021
- Current status: Active
- Grid Status: Running
- Power plant location: China, Shandong
2. Three Gorges New Energy Floating Solar Farm 150 MW
The Three Gorges New Energy floating solar farm is located in Anhui, China. It is the world’s biggest floating solar power plant. This project is owned by China Three Gorges. The company produces hydroelectric power plants, wind power plants, and solar power plants. The company actively supports economic development.
Also, the company operates onshore and offshore wind farms. The company has a total asset of 475 billion. Apart from this, there are many other projects the company is working on. There is the Yangtze River where they have their hydraulic farm. It is the world’s second-biggest hydraulic farm.
The platforms are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other durable, buoyant materials that are resistant to UV radiation and corrosion. The company generates 150,000 MWH of electricity. The company supplies clean energy to almost 94 thousand households. Moreover, the company was developed in a single phase.
Three Gorges New Energy floating solar farm specifications
- Technology type: Energy industries (Renewable/Non-renewable sources)
- Plant total capacity: 150 MW
- Starting date: 27 September, 1993
- Current status: Active
- Power plant location: Gansu province, China
3. Cirata Reservoir Floating Photovoltaic Power Plant Project 145 MW
The Cirata Reservoir Floating Photovoltaic Plant (PV) project is located in the country of Indonesia. It is the largest floating solar energy project in the world. Two entities partnered to make a sustainable solution for energy demand. It was PT PJB and Masdar who signed this contract and joined in this project.
Moreover, the project was made using fixed-tilt PV technology. Apart from this, the solar panels are designed in a way that will limit algae growth and increase water availability. The two partners had decided to make the plant capacity triple in September 2023.
However, the project was made surrounding 250 hectares. The project has an energy capacity of 145 MW. The construction of the solar panel was completed in the year 2021. Knowingly, the project will offset 214,000 tons of CO2 carbon emissions a year.
The project has a 1 GW hydropower capacity. Besides, the solar power plant will fulfill the electricity needs of almost 50,000 households.
Cirata Reservoir Floating Photovoltaic Plant (PV) plant specification
- Technology type: Fixed tilt PV technology/Floating PV
- Plant total capacity: 145 MW
- Starting date: 2023
- Completion date: 2021
- Current status: Active
- Power plant location: Indonesia, West Java Province
4. NTPC Ramagundam Floating PV Power Plant 100 MW
The NTPC Ramagundam solar power plant is located in Telangana, India. The project is owned by NTPC. They have several projects active at the same time in different areas. And the company is perfectly successful in it.
NTPC Ramagundam PV power plant’s operational capacity is around 100 MW. Apart from this, it is surrounded by an area of 500 acres. The estimated cost was $56 million. It consists of 4 blocks; each block is able to produce 2.5 MW of power. 11200 highly efficient PV modules have been installed on high-density polyethylene floaters. The project generates 223,000 MWH of electricity. It has a plan to offset 210,0000T of CO2 a year.
NTPC Ramagundam Solar Power Plant Specification
- Technology type: Floating PV Plant
- Total capacity: 100 MW
- Starting date: 2020
- Completion date: 2022
- Current Status: Active
- Location: Telangana, India
5. NTPC Kayamkulam Floating Solar Project 92 MW
The NTPC Kayamkulam solar project is located in the Choolatheruvu, Haripad, Alaphuzza district, Kerala. The project is developed by NTPC. The company generates electricity and sells it wholesale. Besides this, the company works in many other areas too such as coal, gas, and liquid.
There are other contractors involved in the solar power plant business. Bharat Heavy Electricals were selected for the construction service. Apart from this, Tata Power Solar System was also involved in the contract for three years. Tata Power was involved for 70 MW and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd for 22 MW.
The project has a 92 MW power capacity. It is surrounded by an area of 450 acres. The project generates electricity of around 215,500 MWh. The solar power plant is sufficient enough to provide electricity to 26,000 households. It consists of around 216,000 modules.
NTPC Kayamkulam Floating PV Plant Specifications
- Technology type: Floating PV Plant
- Plant total capacity: 92 MW
- Starting date: 2022
- Completion date: 2020
- Current status: Active
- Power plant location: Kerala, India
6. CECEP Floating Solar Firm, China 70 MW
China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP) Floating Solar Firm. It is located in Anhui province, China. It is in Yongqiao, Suzhou city. It is located in a former coal mining and flood-affected area. It is one of the largest floating PV statins in the world. The project was done in collaboration with French floating solar specialists. The name of the collaboration company is Ciel and Terre.
Apart from this, certain companies contributed to building another largest floating solar power plant. The China Energy Engineering group Shanxi Electric Power Design Institute contributed to this project. The Ciel and Terre hydraulic floating systems were used to make this project. It helps to minimize the emissions. However, an overhead line was also made that generated 77,693 MWh of electricity in the first year. The project is spread around 13 islets.
This system has covered 1.4 square kilometers and is surrounded by around 60 hectares of water land. In this plant, 194,731 high-grade PV panels have been used. Monocrystalline PV modules have been used in this project. This 150 MW project is connected to the national grid. This generated energy was connected to the grid in 2019.
The CECEP Floating Solar Farm is expected to generate approximately 77,693 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually. It is also enough to power around 21,000 households. This floating solar park installation highlights China’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and reducing its dependencies on fossil fuels.
CECEP Floating Solar Firm specifications
- Project name: Anhui CECEP, China
- Technology type: Floating Solar
- Plant total capacity: 70 MWP
- Starting date: 2017
- Completion date: 2019
- Current status: Active
- Grid Status: Running
- Power plant location: Anhui, China
7. Sembcorp Floating Solar Farm 60 MW
The Sembcorp Floating Solar Farm is located near the 500 Jln. Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639935. The solar farm is planted at Tengeh reservoir. It is another largest floating solar parks. The solar power plant is made by Sembcorp Industries. The solar park was opened by PM Lee Hsien Loong. It consists of over 122,000 solar panels. It occupied 45 hectares of water land which is considered the size of 45 football fields.
Sembcorp Industries is one of the leading companies that provides urban solutions. Moreover, the company has a track record that helped urban companies to achieve sustainable solutions. The company started its operation with this solar panel in 2020.
The solar panel has a 100% waterworks system. The solar plant is offsetting 7% of annual energy needs. The plant is designed in a way to reduce the impact on the water quality. The solar power plant is made in a way to withstand all climate conditions of Singapore.
Moreover, it has an energy capacity of 60 MWP. The solar panel is surrounded by 125 hectares. The solar panel is sufficient to provide five local water treatment plans. It offsets almost 32,000 tons of carbon emissions every year.
Sembcorp Floating Solar Farm specifications
- Technology type: Floating Solar
- Plant total capacity: 60 MW
- Starting date: July 14, 2021
- Current status: Active
- Power plant location: Singapore
8. Siridhorn Dam Floating Solar Farm 45 MW
The Siridhorn Dam Floating Solar Farm is located in the Ubon Ratchatani Province, Thailand. The project is developed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The power plant is built on a reservoir. This project cost approximately $59.6 million. Estimated that it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 47,000 tons annually. This floating PV farm covers less than 1% of the reservoir’s surface area.
Therefore 144,400 high-grade solar panels are installed on a floating platform. The company is now generating two solar panels. It has broader plans for the future. The company plans to generate 2725 MW for over nine countries worldwide. The intention is to reduce the carbon emissions in the world and produce clean energy.
However, the project has a 45 MW of generation capacity. It has a hydraulic capacity of 36 megawatts. It can generate electricity from both sources. The solar farm is spread over an area of 121 hectares. The solar panel is also eco-friendly. It uses an existing transmission system and water surface.
This helps to save the cost of electricity as the water reduces the heat level of panels. That’s why people prefer water-based solar panels to make the solar plant. It is cost-effective and more efficient.
Siridhorn Dam Floating Solar Farm specifications
- Technology type: Floating solar
- Plant total capacity: 58.5 MW
- Starting date: October 31, 2021
- Number of PV panels: 144,400 high-grade solar panels have been used.
- Current status: Active
- Power plant location: Thailand, Ubon Ratchatani
9. Hapcheon Dam floating PV Power Plant 41 MW
The Hapcheon Dam floating PV power plant is located in South Korea. The company Hanwha Q Cells developed the company. The company is an energy solution provider. The company has expertise in solar cells and modules, energy storage systems, renewable energy, and retail energy.
The power plant has 41 MW energy capacity. The company started developing the solar power plant in the year of 2020. Moreover, the project was developed in a single phase. The solar panel is made on a reservoir. Moreover, the main intention for making that plant was for the water resources corp.
The solar panel was made with Q Peak Duo Poseidon Modules provided by the manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells. The project has 92 thousand solar panels installed. The project completed its operation in the year 2020.
Hapcheon Dam floating PV plant specifications
- Technology type: Floating solar power station.
- Plant total capacity: 41 MW
- Starting date: 2021
- Current status: Active
- Power plant location: South Korea, South Geongsang.
10. Omkareshwar Dam Floating Solar Farm 600 MW
The Omkareshwar Dam floating solar farm is located in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was an ambitious and the world’s biggest floating solar power plant. This floating solar farm is situated on the reservoir of the Omkareshwar Dam. It is a major dam on the Narmada River in the Khandwa district. The project is developed by Ampin Energy Transition, NHDC, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar, and SJVN. There was a partnership with other companies in this project. They collaborated with the World Bank.
Moreover, some companies funded the project like the Power Grid Corporation of India, the International Finance Corporation, and the World Bank funded this project. The estimated cost of this power plant project was estimated around $409.86m.
The project has a 600 MW energy capacity. The solar panel is surrounded by 2,000 hectares. Moreover, the solar power plant will offset 120000t of CO2 every year. The project is completed. The first part was activated in August 2023 capacity was 278 MW. But the biggest problem happened in 2024. Most part of this project has been damaged due to the storm. This damage happened due to insufficient anchoring of the panel.
Omkareshwar Dam Floating Solar Farm Specifications
- Technology type: Floating PV Plant
- Plant total capacity: 600 MW
- Starting date: 2022
- Completion date: 2024
- Current status: No status (disabled by storm)
- Power plant location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India
How Do Floating Solar Power Plant Work?
A floating solar power plant works by installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on water surfaces such as lakes, reservoirs, or ponds. The solar panels are mounted on buoyant structures, often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other durable, UV-resistant materials. These floating solar parks are anchored securely to prevent flowing with streams and waves.
The solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. This plant design keeps sufficient gaps between panels to allow airflow and sunlight penetration. So that it can maintain water quality. It works like traditional ground-mounted solar panels. To save make sure durability and longevity in wet conditions, double-glass modules are commonly used.
However, the generated electricity is then transmitted to the shore via underwater cables. These cables are connected to the nearer electrical substation to enhance the voltage level and integrated into the power grid. The water’s cooling effect helps maintain the PV panels’ efficiency by reducing the temperature.
This process potentially leads to higher energy output. The floating solar installations reduce water evaporation. It also improves water quality by limiting algae growth, making them an innovative and environmentally friendly renewable energy production.
Floating Solar Power Plant Advantages
There is a chance of using traditional solar power plants. But why do people use floating solar power plants? There are several reasons the floating photovoltaic plant installation is better. Let’s know the benefits of floating solar power plants through the points below –
- Reduce evaporation: Solar panels cover a portion of the water surface. The evaporation can turn the water into gas of temperature increase. But as floating solar panels cover the water’s surface, water evaporation reduces
- Reduced Algae Growth: Solar panels provide shade to the water. It prevents the spread of bacteria. It also removes the possibility of harmful toxins. As a result, the algae growth reduces
- Energy: The energy is increased using the floating solar panel. It is installed on cool water. It prevents overheating. Also, the reflection of the sunlight increases the solar panel’s energy. It leads to a higher input
- Installation cost: The installation cost is less than land-based counterparts. The reason is the need for land. Installing solar panels in water is less demanding than the land in terms of finances.
- Efficient: Solar power panels can generate more power. It’s because of the cooling effect of the water. It stays in the proximity of water which makes the panel more energy-efficient
Floating Solar Power Plant Disadvantages
Till now, you have learned the advantages of floating solar power plants. Now, you must know the disadvantages of floating solar power plants. It has several disadvantages too, that negatively impact it. Let’s learn these through the points below:
- Limited applicability: As the power plants are installed on the water surface, sometimes, the waves, tides, and high waves can abruptly affect the stability of the solar panel. Moreover, the functionality of the solar panel can be at stake due to the waves.
- Adverse effect from water: The sunlight that reaches the water reduces the temperature. It alters the temperature stratification. More than that, it also affects the oxygen levels
- Disturb aquatic life: The shading from panels affects the aquatic plants. The reason is its effects on water quality. As the water quality changes, the aquatic plants will have similar effects
Requirements to Set Up Floating Solar Power Plant
The floating power plant system must be set up in a mannered way. It will make the process easier for you. Here are the following requirements to set up a floating plant:
- You need to choose a location where you will plant the solar power plant.
- You must make sure that the water body can take water currents. It must have needed environmental conditions.
- Get government permits and regulations.
- Design a floating platform.
- Focus on panel anchoring and mooring system.
- Use transformers to step up the voltage for grid connection.
- Complete the electrical wiring, ensuring all safety standards are met.
- Grid connection: connect the plant to the local power grid, following utility company standards.
- Develop a maintenance plan for regular inspections, cleaning of panels, and repair work.
- Ensure better safety for personnel working on and around the floating plant.
- Make sure there is no reason to be a storm in the plant.
- Environmental and social impact on the plant.
- Focus on the budget like operational costs, and equipment costs.
- Secure funding through investors, loans, or government incentives.
Which State Has the World’s Largest Solar Power Plant?
The world’s largest solar power plant is in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. It’s a grounded-mounted photovoltaic power plant. It has 2,245 installed capacity. The solar power plant is named the “Bhadla Solar Park”. Rajasthan Renewable Energy created the solar plant. The power plant has served many economic benefits.
Also, the power plant decreased the need to depend on fossil fuels. The power plant serves in many other aspects as well. Such as, it has avoided 4M tons of carbon emissions every year.
The power plant plays a great role in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions. The solar power plant indeed helps the environment a lot.
Can Solar Power Plants Be Repaired in Floating Power Plants?
Yes. Floating solar plants can be repaired. You may think that only land counters and solar power plants can be fixed. But technicians can fix the floating power plant as well if any part has a problem. There are transmissions, inverters, and electrical connections connected to them.
Sometimes, these components may get dust accumulation, corrosion, or any related issues. But it’s not a worry. You will be able to do the maintenance of these power plants easily. Moreover, you can have these issues fixed even when it’s a floating power plant.
Frequently Asked Question
Here I have added some frequently asked questions by readers regarding the floating solar power plant. Please check them out below:
Q. Who uses Floating Solar Panels?
Floating solar panels are used by many countries such as China, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the United States. Those countries have massive water land, lakes, and high-temperature weather, understand the benefits of renewable energy, and want to stop using fossil fuel, such countries can use floating PV plants.
Q. Is Floating Neutral Safe?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no. If a neutral point is not connected to the ground, can have both advantages and risks depending on the situation. Ground fault currents are lower because there is no direct path to the ground. This can reduce the risk of electrical shock in certain scenarios. Sometimes floating neutral is not safe. It’s when the neutral wire is not connected properly to the power plant. It may have a serious risk of having a fire hazard.
Q. What Causes Floating Voltage?
Floating voltage is caused by rust and corrosion in the electrical wire. Sometimes, mechanical issues can also be a big reason for floating voltage. In that case, the solar panel cleaning process is also responsible for generating sufficient power in the floating PV plant.
Conclusion
Floating PV plants have significant benefits. You already know that the world’s biggest floating solar power plants are a necessity. Why most of the countries are towering them in renewable energy? However, it is more powerful than the land-based solar power plants. However, you may need to tackle some challenges in floating power plants. This is because there are disadvantages existing too.
So, I have discussed here the world’s 10 biggest floating power plants. All of the power plants are helping to reduce greenhouse emissions on the earth significantly. However, I hope this article helped you to learn about floating power plants.