California To Test Solar Canal That Generates Energy While Reducing Drought
Image via Solar Aquagrid
Research by the University of California is becoming reality, as the state looks to introduce its first solar canals for testing.
These are, essentially, canals covered by solar panels to generate energy as well as preventing water from evaporating due to the famously hot climate of the Western United States.
Drought has been a longstanding problem for residents of the state and nearby areas, which has led to issues like raging wildfires. Water is a precious resource, but Roger Bales, one of the researchers involved in the project, states that up to an estimated 2% of water carried in canals is lost to the sun.
This new system by Solar Aquagrid is said to provide around 13 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, and save more than 65 billion gallons of water every year simultaneously. This is reportedly the equivalent of the residential water usage of upwards of 2 million people.
Additionally, the panels can also stop aquatic weeds from growing, which would make maintenance easier and less costly to carry out.
The Turlock Irrigation District will be implementing the first solar canal, with ABC30 reporting that construction of the prototype will begin in the fall.
Thank you @TurlockID @CA_DWR @ucmerced for being ideal partners to deploy the first #solar over canal pilot project in the U.S. In an age of drought, it’s time to put a lid on evaporation and reimagine our #water #energy infrastructure. #waterenergynexus #solarenergy #California pic.twitter.com/yigMfTzoyz
— Solar AquaGrid (@SolarAquaGrid) February 9, 2022
[via The Conversation and ABC30, image via Solar Aquagrid]
