Water utilities in Australia adopt floating solar panels to reduce evaporation losses and generate electricity.

Australian water utilities are using floating solar installations on lakes and reservoirs to reduce evaporation losses and generate electricity. The technology, developed by Ocean Sun AS, can cover up to 70% of a reservoir's surface, reducing evaporation by 55% and generating around 670 kilowatts of solar power per ring. Canopy Power, backed by TotalEnergies SE and the Gaia Impact Fund, is currently in talks with five water utilities in Victoria and expects to launch its first project soon. The technology is also being explored in other freshwater-scarce places, including the Maldives and Western Australia.

Australian water utilities are turning to innovative floating solar installations to tackle evaporation losses and generate clean energy. The technology, developed by Norwegian company Ocean Sun AS, is gaining traction in Australia and other freshwater-scarce regions. This article explores the benefits and current developments in this emerging field.

Floating solar panels, also known as floatovoltaics, are installed on water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. These installations not only reduce evaporation but also generate electricity. In Australia, where water scarcity is a significant challenge, this technology presents a promising solution.

Reducing Evaporation and Water Loss

Every year, approximately 1,400 gigaliters of water evaporates from dams and reservoirs across arid Australia, enough to fill Sydney Harbour three times [2]. To mitigate this loss, Australian utilities are adopting floating solar installations. These installations can cover up to 70% of a reservoir's surface, reducing evaporation by 55% [2].

Generating Clean Energy

Floating solar installations can generate substantial amounts of clean energy. Each floating ring in Ocean Sun's system, for instance, generates around 670 kilowatts of solar power [2]. This not only helps in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to Australia's renewable energy targets.

Market Expansion and Partnerships

Canopy Power, a Singapore-based firm backed by TotalEnergies SE and the Gaia Impact Fund, is bringing this technology to Australia. The company has secured exclusive rights to distribute Ocean Sun's floating solar arrays in the country. Canopy Power is currently in talks with five water utilities in Victoria and expects to launch its first project in the state soon [2].

The technology is also being explored in other parts of Australia. The state government of Western Australia has invested A$2.8 million for a pilot known as the Great Southern Evaporation Trial [2]. This trial aims to test the use of hundreds of thousands of interlocking hexagonal discs in dams in the state.

Global Applications

The potential of floating solar installations is not limited to Australia. The technology is being explored in other freshwater-scarce places, including the Maldives, where it could serve as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels and offset the high cost of water [2]. Ocean Sun first deployed the technology off the Norwegian coast and at aquaculture sites.

Conclusion

Floating solar installations represent a significant step forward in water management and renewable energy generation. By reducing evaporation and generating clean energy, these installations offer a viable solution to Australia's water scarcity challenges. As the technology matures, its potential for expansion in both Australia and other freshwater-scarce regions is substantial.

References

[1] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ecogreen-australia_commercialsolar-floatovoltaics-ecogreenaustralia-activity-7353655130187010048-wydj

[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-24/utilities-in-australia-using-solar-panels-to-cut-water-evaporation