Environmental impact assessment of floating solar photovoltaics

Abstract

The study attempts to identify the social and environmental impacts of floating solar photovoltaics (FSPV) and the implications for sustainability. Energy production has a significant impact on GHG emissions; thus, emerging technologies are helping to shape the world for a more sustainable future. Energy production has always had a significant impact on GHG emissions; thus, emerging technologies will play a crucial role in designing a more prosperous future. As a trend, new technologies are deployed keeping in mind their benefits, disregarding the set laws and consequential environmental concerns. However, as promising as it appears, further research is needed to determine whether FSPV energy production is environmentally friendly and the underlying ecosystem implications. Among countries like Japan, Korea and China, India has been a forerunner in adopting new trends and meeting its 2050 clean energy targets, including clean energy generation by FSPV. With an emphasis on the Indian subcontinent, there is a need to investigate the elements of clean energy generation by FSPV, their implications, future research opportunities and mitigations. Considering the consequential concerns for new technology implementation, the study investigates FSPV as an emerging technology. It identifies the social and environmental impacts and their implications for sustainability. Since the research literature on this theme is relatively new and partially unexplored, the study focuses on the social and environmental benefits and the primary drawbacks of floating PV deployment on water bodies. The primary goal is to analyze the existing literature to fill the research gaps and identify the impact assessment process and the indicators used. The need to evaluate the implications of emerging sustainable technologies through a scientific viewpoint prompted the study to focus on the social and environmental benefits and drawbacks of floating PV deployment on water bodies. Moreover, the research literature is relatively new because of the rapid advancement of technology in both developed and developing countries. The baseline scenario for the Omkareshwar reservoir in 2021 depicts the presence of diverse flora and fauna. As a result, the influence zones are divided into three zones based on primary, secondary, and tertiary impacts. First, any changes in water quality impact the resident's livelihood; hence a water quality evaluation is performed and compared to the standards. The data suggest that calcium and salts, sulphates, cloriforms, and high TDS predominate. Second, the block is rich in flora and wildlife, with 200 distinct avifauna and riverine habitats, including Indian garihyal, Otter, and fishes such as the Indian mahseer. Third, the fisher's fishing prospects are affected due to the change in water quality and the installation of solar panels on the water body. The thesis aims to investigate the socio-environmental impacts of FSPV. It proposes to examine several research pieces done globally thoroughly, and in India, the methodology followed for the assessment and the parameters used. Since countries have different climatic conditions, temperatures and distinct flora and fauna, the goal would be to investigate it in the Indian scenario concerning EIA reports. Switching or increasing solar energy production in FSPV has excellent potential for India because of its location and solar potential. India proposes a 6000MW FSPV setup on the Omkareshwar Dam reservoirs, the second-largest globally, covering a vast water body. It intends to first review various literature on the impacts and impacts assessment methodologies, proposed projects, and the future of FSPV. The literature review will aid in developing an understanding of the weights of impacts, parameters and the tools to assess the effects. Finally, the synopsis aims to conceptualise or improve the existing Indian FSPV, provide a clear understanding of whether the technology is sustainable, and mitigate the negative impacts. The thesis concludes by assessing the effects of place-based indicators and proposing mitigations. Finally, the environmental repercussions that lead to social consequences affecting fishermen's livelihoods are closely examined. Keywords: Floating solar PV, impacts, environment, social, water quality, mitigation