Spain closer to getting regulation for floating solar

Spain’s national water council on Monday gave its green light to the Spanish government’s draft royal decree aimed at regulating the installation of floating solar systems on the nation’s reservoirs, the ministry for the ecological transition announced.

The proposed piece of regulation will help Spain increase clean power production and add a new technology to the country’s already rich renewables palette, the ministry highlighted.

When enacted, the rules will tell project promoters where, how and under what conditions they will be able to install floating solar panels.

Installations will be limited to highly modified or artificial bodies of water. Solar panels can cover 5% to 20% of the surface depending on the richness of biological activity in the water environment. Installations will not be allowed on lakes or lagoons of natural origin, and water bodies classified as oligotrophic, in which the water quality is good and there is little to no biological productivity, according to the draft regulation.

Promoters can expect to obtain a concession for their project for a term of up to 25 years. They also have to be mindful of pre-existing rights and uses of the selected reservoir, effects on the safety and operation of the infrastructure and the environment permitting procedures, the ministry said.

The proposed measures now need to go through Spain's cabinet meeting for further approval.

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