Latest survey: floating photovoltaic power station will not affect water quality
Baywa re, a German renewable energy company, published preliminary results on the environmental impact of the 27.4mw "bomhoffplas" floating photovoltaic power plant located in the quarry in the Netherlands. The power plant is currently the largest floating photovoltaic project outside China.
The company said it had conducted more than a year of environmental impact investigations into the plant with the help of its Dutch subsidiaries groenleven and Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the University of Groningen and research institution Buro Bakker / atkb. "The initial results of environmental studies do not show any significant negative effects on Lake flora and fauna," said Toni Weigl of baywa re“ Instead, the first result is positive, erosion on both sides of the lake has decreased and we are happy to see our floating photovoltaic system well integrated into the surrounding lake. "
Baywa re explained that the oxygen content in the water under the PV module changed very little in a year, and the wind and sunlight still easily reached the water surface under the module, and the measured deviation was mainly caused by the change of weather conditions. According to the University of Hanze, the water quality under the system is at the same level as the adjacent water surface.
According to baywa re, Buro Bakker / atkb found that these components reduced the wind on the surface of the water, thereby reducing erosion of the banks. It is said to be to protect local vegetation and stimulate plant growth.
The impact on fish populations is still under investigation. To strengthen underwater ecosystems and promote biodiversity, baywa has reinstalled a protective cage, called "biological cottage," under floating components full of shells. For the full results to be achieved, years of investigation must be carried out.
Baywa re said it hopes to continue to promote floating photovoltaic power while focusing on biodiversity and water quality. The company is currently building another power station at uivermeertjes. After completion, it should have an output of 29.8 MW, so it is even larger than the leader "bomhofsplas".
