AQUATIC GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS OF FLOATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS (FPV)

Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) systems are a land-sparing and potentially more energy efficient application of PV energy and add to renewable energy capacity to mitigate climate change. However, FPV installations may impact greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics and the local aquatic ecosystem, but this is not well understood. We conducted monthly monitoring for one year starting in February 2025 in a shallow artificial stormwater retention pond with FPV covering 70% of its surface. We measured methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) diffusive emissions and CH₄ ebullitive emissions, alongside physicochemical parameters, in sampling points below the FPV (FPV) and around the edges of the installation (open water). Preliminary results suggest that ebullitive and diffusive CH₄ emissions were higher in open water than in FPV sites, which could be attributed to a reduced turbulence in the FPV area, combined with an increased input of bird faeces concentrated in the open water area. Initial assessment of the diffusive CO₂ fluxes indicates that the pond is on average a source of CO₂, with little variation between FPV and open water sites. Surface dissolved oxygen concentrations were slightly higher in the open water compared to the FPV sites, also potentially reflecting a reduced water-atmosphere mixing in the FPV area due to the physical barrier to natural wind and waves. Overall, the FPV installation has a range of impacts on water quality and surrounding ecosystems which should be carefully considered to ensure ecological sustainability of FPV projects.

Presentation Preference: Standard Oral (12 Minutes)

Primary Presenter: Daniela Seitz, Radboud University (daniela.seitz@ru.nl)

Authors:

Daniela Seitz, Radboud University  (daniela.seitz@ru.nl)

Sofia Baliña, Radboud University  (sofia.balina@ru.nl)

Sven Teurlincx, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO)  (s.teurlincx@nioo.knaw.nl)

Sarian Kosten, Radboud University  (sarian.kosten@ru.nl)