Floating solar panels – a solution to Africa’s energy needs?

New research shows that several African countries could meet their entire national energy needs by using floating solar panel systems on just 10% of their lakes, writes LEstyn Woolway and Alona Armstrong Down Africa of talks.

At least 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to electricity.

The study found that Rwanda and Ethiopia could generate significantly more energy with these systems than they currently consume. Rwanda could meet 237% of its current total energy demand and Ethiopia 129%. Chad could generate 73% of its current energy needs from floating solar systems alone. Mali, Madagascar, Malawi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Togo could generate between 15% and 58% of their total energy needs from floating solar panels.

Floating solar panels provide benefits such as reducing water evaporation, preventing algae blooms and providing access to renewable energy in remote areas. However, there are challenges related to network connectivity, regulations, environmental impact and ensuring equitable benefits for communities.