Portuguese national potential for floating photovoltaic systems: a case study

Abstract

Over the past few decades, much has been done globally to make final energy consumption more sustainable, integrating more renewable resources. In Europe, there are many directives and regulations that imposes to the states ambitious targets on the promotion of renewable energies and energetic efficiency among others. Portugal has not only fulfilled all the goals but has also exceeded them. This is the case with the integration of renewables in electricity consumption, which is currently rated at 53 %, with the prospect of reaching 80% in 2030. In this scenario, it is important to encourage the energy production from the solar resource as the country has optimal conditions for this purpose. This research assess the existing Portuguese potential for floating photovoltaic systems and its integration in the power grid. Another aim of this study is to sizing and assesses the energetic potential of floating solar power plant in Gouvães dam, included in the Tãmega hydroelectric complex in under construction in northern Portugal belong to Iberdrola Company.