Spanish Regulations Set Benchmark for Floating Solar Plants

• Spanish cabinet sets regulations for floating solar PV on reservoirs, leading the way in environmental protection and renewable energy development. A benchmark for Indian regulators.

The Spanish cabinet has passed regulations for floating solar PV on reservoirs, with the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge leading the way. The regulations limit the amount of water surface a PV project can occupy, with different limits for clear and biologically rich waters. Only man-made water bodies are allowed for installation, with a focus on reservoirs to minimize impact on natural ecosystems. The regulations also include tracking policies to study environmental impacts and a list of 96 potential reservoirs for developers to plan for.

The regulations have taken two years to be finalized and could serve as a benchmark for Indian regulators, especially in East India where floating solar is seen as a solution for renewable energy gaps. The rules aim to balance solar energy development with environmental protection, highlighting the importance of careful planning and consideration for the future of floating solar projects.

What are the key regulations for floating solar PV on Spanish reservoirs?

• The regulations for floating solar PV on Spanish reservoirs are led by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
  
• The regulations limit the amount of water surface a PV project can occupy, with different limits for clear and biologically rich waters.
• Only man-made water bodies are allowed for installation, with a focus on reservoirs to minimize impact on natural ecosystems.
  
• The regulations include tracking policies to study environmental impacts.
  
• A list of 96 potential reservoirs has been identified for developers to plan for floating solar PV projects.
  
• The regulations took two years to be finalized and could serve as a benchmark for other countries, such as India, where floating solar is being considered as a solution for renewable energy gaps.
• The rules aim to balance solar energy development with environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and consideration for the future of floating solar projects.