Floating Photovoltaic Plants as an Effective Option to Reduce Water Evaporation in Water-Stressed Regions and Produce Electricity: A Case Study of Lake Nasser, Egypt

Abstract

Water resources are considered one of the most critical and indispensable elements to ensure the survival of all living organisms on the planet. Since there is a close relationship between water, energy, and food security, this interdependence presents a major global societal challenge. While Egypt is one of the countries that suffers the most from water poverty, it has Lake Nasser which is considered one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, with an estimated area of about 5250 km2. Hence, this work aims to conserve such water resources while addressing two critical issues related to water and energy. To achieve this goal, this study proposed the use of partial coverage technology on Lake Nasser with floating photovoltaic (FPV) panels. The results of the study showed that the partial coverage of Lake Nasser with FPV panels represents a very effective proposal to preserve the water resources of Egypt, which suffers from water poverty. The savings in water evaporation in Lake Nasser reached 61.71% (9,074,081,000 m3/year) and the annual rate of electricity production was 467.99 TWh/year when 50% of the area of Lake Nasser was covered with FPV panels.