China built the world's largest floating solar power plant

The world's largest floating solar power plant in China can produce 40 megawatts of electricity, enough to meet the demand for electricity for 15,000 households.

The 40-megawatt new solar power plant in Huainan City in central Anhui province began to tie the Chinese national grid from June, South China Morning Post reported on June 2.

The solar power plant is located in a large lake area on perennial coal mining pits. Solar panels float on the lake surface 4-10m deep.

The world's largest floating solar power plant in Huainan, China.(Photo: IFL Science).

Sungrow, the company in charge of construction, did not disclose the exact size of the factory, but the facility has twice the capacity of the world's largest solar power plant before, also located in Hoai Nam and by the company. Xinyi Solar built in 2016.

Floating solar power plants take advantage of abandoned areas and water to cool the battery surface, reducing the risk of overheating.

China is the world's largest solar producer, with a total capacity of 77.42 megawatt at the end of last year, according to the National Energy Department. Renewable energy accounts for 11% of China's total electricity use, which could increase to 20% by 2030.

Earlier this year, the world's largest solar power plant Longyangxia Dam Solar Park went into operation in remote areas on the Qing Tibetan plateau in western Qinghai province. The factory covers an area of ​​27km ² , which can provide enough electricity for 200,000 households.