In a bold move towards sustainability, the Company of the Canal of Provence (SCP) is advancing with an innovative project that could change the way we think about energy production. By installing solar panels above its canals, this initiative aims not only to provide green energy but also addresses some of the most pressing environmental challenges. This transformation marks a major step in France’s energy transition.
Solar energy on water: a proven concept
While this may seem like a futuristic idea, it is actually based on a practical innovation. The concept of covering water canals with solar panels has already been tested in various regions of the world. India is a pioneer in the use of solar irrigation canals, and similar projects are gaining popularity in places like California and Spain. The idea behind these installations is simple yet impactful: by covering water canals, the panels help to reduce evaporation, increase energy production, and improve water quality by minimizing algae growth. The result is the generation of clean energy without using land that could be used for other purposes.
The University of California has even collaborated with local organizations to cover parts of irrigation canals in California, aiming to reduce water losses while increasing the efficiency of the solar panels through the cooling effects of the water beneath them.
Closer to home, Navarre in Spain is embarking on a similar project, with plans for a 160 MW solar installation on a 177 km stretch of canal. The project, approved by the regional government after a comprehensive feasibility study, is expected to double the solar capacity of the region. This is a clear indication that the combination of solar energy and water canals is an idea with significant potential.
A solar revolution on the canals of Provence
In Provence, the SCP has been experimenting with this concept since 2016. The first test involved a 36 kW photovoltaic canopy installed over a section of the Canal of Provence in the town of Rians. The success of this initial project has led to even more ambitious plans. In 2021, the SCP launched a request for proposals to find a partner for the next phase, which would see 12 MW of solar capacity installed on several sections of the canal. The company Sergies was selected as the partner to help realize this plan.
The project aims to cover 5.5 kilometers of canal in the municipalities of Venelles, Rians, and Signes. The estimated production from these installations is around 19 GWh per year, bringing the SCP closer to its goal of achieving energy neutrality by 2025. This project represents nearly half of the energy target that the SCP has set for itself, which is a remarkable step in the right direction for the region and the future of renewable energy.
In the long term, the goal is to expand these installations to cover the entire network of canals under the control of the SCP, potentially creating up to 40 MW of solar energy in the region. These floating solar panels could become a model for other energy producers across France and beyond, highlighting the benefits of combining solar energy with hydraulic infrastructure.
Why it’s important for the future of energy
Floating solar panels on the canals of Provence represent more than just an environmental innovation—they constitute a crucial step toward achieving sustainability goals. With growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and shift to renewable energy sources, projects like this not only provide green energy but also optimize land use and reduce water losses.
By 2025, the SCP aims to generate enough renewable energy to power its regional operations, in part thanks to these solar installations. In a world where space is limited, using bodies of water like canals for energy production is a clever solution. Moreover, the success of this project could inspire other regions to follow suit, creating a network of floating solar panels that could revolutionize our way of producing clean energy.
As energy demand grows and the effects of climate change intensify, initiatives like this could be the key to providing sustainable energy while protecting vital resources like water. Whether to reduce evaporation or increase energy efficiency, the floating solar panels above the canals of Provence prove that sometimes, the future of renewable energy can float right before our eyes.
