Researchers from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently analyzed the technical potential of installing floating photovoltaic systems in 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This is the first such assessment in Southeast Asia, and its analysis mainly includes 88 reservoirs (including hydroelectric and non-hydroelectric facilities) and 7,213 natural water bodies in the region. The report pointed out that the technical potential for installing floating photovoltaic systems in Southeast Asia ranges from 477GW to 1046GW.
The research team found that reservoirs in Southeast Asia have the potential to install 134GW to 278GW of floating photovoltaic systems, and there is a potential of 343GW` to 768GW on natural water bodies. Considering water body types, reservoirs in Laos and Malaysia have greater development potential, while natural water bodies in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have greater development potential. The potential for installing floating photovoltaic systems is equivalent in different types of water bodies in Vietnam.
The researchers said, “Our results show that the average net capacity factor accounting for PV inverter losses does not vary significantly between water body types and distance sensitivity of single-sided PV panels (the average net capacity factor is between 15.6-16.0% change)." They noted that based on previous analysis, the average net capacity factor increased by a factor of 1.05 using bifacial fixed-tilt PV panels.
This research team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) used an advanced geospatial assessment method based on two different floating PV system types (monofacial and bifacial) and two water body types (reservoir and natural Water bodies) developed four technical solutions. This research builds on previous research including non-hydropower reservoirs, inland natural water bodies and bifacial photovoltaic modules. In addition, the research team used high spatial and temporal resolution solar irradiance data, which was not used in previous assessments of the technology's potential.
The researchers explain, “In general, the technical potential for installing floating photovoltaic systems on natural water bodies is higher than that on reservoirs. However, the actual development capacity of natural water bodies may be significantly reduced due to site-specific constraints and environmental impact considerations. ." They added that water bodies more than 50 kilometers away from main roads and those within protected areas were excluded from the study.
Thailand has the greatest potential for installing floating photovoltaic systems on reservoirs. The country has 576 suitable water bodies with a potential installed capacity of 57,645MW and a power generation of 83,781GWh/year. Indonesia has the greatest potential for installing floating photovoltaic systems in natural water bodies. The country has 2,719 suitable water bodies with a potential installed capacity of 271,897MW and a power generation of 369,059 GWh/year.
The researchers said: "Research shows that there is huge potential for the installation of floating photovoltaic systems in Southeast Asia. Some countries have ambitious renewable energy targets, mainly focusing on the development of photovoltaic systems, hydropower facilities and wind power facilities. Floating Photovoltaic systems provide an additional renewable energy generation option that can leverage existing infrastructure, particularly existing hydropower facilities, and support the region in achieving its ambitious decarbonisation targets."
Their findings were published on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) website as "Assessment of the Technology Potential for Installing Floating Photovoltaic Systems in Southeast Asia." The research is said to help policymakers and planners better understand the role floating PV systems may play in meeting the energy needs of the Southeast Asian region, and ultimately help inform investment decisions.
The researchers concluded: "Detailed market and economic-technical potential assessments are needed to further evaluate the opportunities for installing floating PV systems in each country in Southeast Asia. For specific sites, there is a lack of regional-level bathymetry, wind, wave and sedimentation Physical data requires detailed site-specific analysis.”