In the modern world, renewable energy will have a fast effect on our lifestyle and is one of the main points that help answer climate change and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Among the plethora of innovations in this domain, floating solar power plants are being investigated as a novel development and sustainable concept. Floating solar power plants have completely changed the way we generate solar energy.
In this blog, we will explore what a floating solar power plant is, its advantages and disadvantages, and its growing popularity around the world.
Floating solar power plants, or floating photovoltaic systems, are solar panels placed on bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Solar farms normally require large tracts of land to operate, but these systems are adjusting unused water surfaces.
The panels have been floating on platforms amidst the supply of energy and make use of specific anchors to keep them stable. Just like land-based solar systems, they are connected to power grids. This novel design enables us to better utilise natural resources and also produces renewable energy.
Improved Efficiency
Floating solar panels benefit from a cooling effect provided by the water beneath them, enhancing their efficiency by up to 12.5%. This contributes to increased electricity production compared to land-based systems
Land Conservation
Solar farms often need great areas of land, which is a rare commodity in the city. This limitation goes away with floating solar panels that use underutilised water bodies such as irrigation ponds or reservoirs.For instance, India's floating solar installations include projects like the 48-acre floating solar plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
Environmental Benefits
Floating solar farms reduce water evaporation by up to 70%, preserving water for critical uses. Additionally, they prevent sunlight from reaching the water's surface, thereby inhibiting algae growth and maintaining cleaner water bodies
Dual Use of Resources
Floating solar power plants can serve as a supplement, auxiliary or complementary facility to an existing one like hydroelectric dams. Utilising the two systems together means we can produce additional energy in one location.
Higher Installation Costs
As floating solar power plants demand to invest in specialised equipment including platforms and anchoring systems the cost of floating solar may be higher than on land-based systems.
Maintenance Difficulties
Maintenance is slightly difficult as water and weather conditions can act upon the panels. Being constantly exposed to moisture, the wear and tear will also be quicker.
Weather-Related Risks
Floating solar systems can be at risk of strong winds, waves and heavy rains. This is why appropriate design and engineering are necessary to tolerate such events.
Hydroelectric Dams: The addition of solar panels to reservoirs can increase the amount of electricity produced and will make the entire system operate more efficiently.
Urban water reservoirs: Cities can harness solar energy over water bodies without trading off land, as they may utilise reservoirs.
Irrigation Pools: Floating solar farms can be used in agricultural applications where land can be sacrificed and water saved to charge power electronic equipment.
These projects showcase how floating solar technology is evolving and being adopted worldwide.
The cost of floating solar power plants is initially higher than traditional systems, but they offer long-term benefits.
While the upfront investment is higher, the return on investment (ROI) is promising due to improved efficiency and dual-purpose usage.
Floating solar farms contribute significantly to the environment:
Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Like other renewable energy sources, they help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Water Conservation: Reduces the amount of water available for agriculture, drinking, or industrial use.
Cleaner Water: By reducing algae growth, they ensure water bodies remain healthier.
These benefits make floating solar farms a sustainable choice for the future.
Floating solar power plants are revolutionizing how we generate renewable energy. By utilizing water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, and dams, these solar panels not only save valuable land space but also provide several economic and environmental benefits. This innovative solution is gaining popularity as a sustainable way to meet growing energy demands while protecting the planet.
Efficient use of water bodies: Floating solar panels make optimal use of unused or underutilised water surfaces.
Solves land scarcity issues: Ideal for regions where land is expensive or limited, avoiding disruption of agricultural or urban areas.
Smart resource utilization: Allows for clean energy production without competing for valuable land resources.
The future of floating solar technology looks bright as the demand for clean energy rises.
Improved Technology: Novel designs for floating solar facilities may provide these systems with a longer lifespan and lower cost.
Increased Adoption: Floating solar is busting out of its science project phase with increased adoption in more countries that recognize the potential and add it to their energy mix.
Climate Goals: The ongoing transition towards achieving net zero emissions across the globe will require significant contributions in the form of floating solar parks.
Floating solar power plants are also an intelligent use of natural resources rather than just an energy solution.
By embracing floating solar energy systems, we get to pave the way for a cleaner green tomorrow.
The rise of floating solar highlights the shift toward cleaner energy. From just 70 MW in 2015 to 2.6 GW within a few years, its growth has been remarkable. Companies like Fenice Energy are driving this progress, working on projects to achieve net-zero emissions.
| Project Name | Capacity (MW) | Location | Impact |
| Ramagundam Floating Solar Plant | 100 | 500 acres, 40 blocks | Reduces coal consumption by 1,65,000 tons annually |
| Simhadri Floating Solar PV Project | 25 | 75 acres | Saves 1,364 million litres of water per year |
| Banasura Sagar Floating Solar Power Project | 25.91 | Banasura Sagar reservoir | Minimises water evaporation |
| Omkareshwar Reservoir Floating Solar Power Plant | 600 | World’s largest floating solar project | The key player in sustainable energy expansion |
Comparison of 8.3 kW SPV & 8.3 kW FPV power plants at Bhimtal lake
| Parameter | 8.3 kW SPV | 8.3 kW FPV |
| Annual energy supplied to the grid (kWh) | 12,291 | 12,567 |
| Average Module Temperature ( oC) | 34.35 | 29.35 |
| Amount of water saved from evaporation annually (lakh litres) | 0 | 1.85 |
| Reduction in CO2 Emission annually(In tonnes) | 0 | 14.44 |
Floating solar farms, a new advance in sustainable energy. These floating farms use water bodies instead of land to help alleviate space constraints, and they bring large environmental advantages through the conservation of freshwater resources and the generation of cleaner energy.
Over time, with enhanced technology and widespread adoption, such systems will be a key driver of sustainability objectives on the world stage. Floating solar power plants will undoubtedly be the way of our future and investing in them today ensures a brighter tomorrow that is sustainable and green.
FAQs
A floating solar power plant consists of solar panels installed on water bodies like lakes or reservoirs to generate renewable energy.
Floating solar panels are generally more efficient because the water beneath keeps them cooler, improving their performance.
The installation cost is higher than traditional solar systems due to the need for floating platforms and anchors. However, they offer better efficiency and long-term benefits.
Countries like China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of adopting floating solar power plants.
Yes, but they require proper design and engineering to withstand strong winds, waves, and other weather challenges.
As water is critical and the need for sustainable and efficient management increases, infrastructural innovation becomes unavoidable. Floating pumping stations are a groundbreaking solution that solves the problem of many critical issues associated with traditional water management systems. These systems are adjustable, sustainable, and economical which makes them suitable for industry, municipalities and agricultural requirements.
In this blog, we will understand what floating pumping stations are, their advantages and applications, key attributes and how they function. We will also justify why Acquafront Infrastructure is a reliable partner for the realization of the technological solutions, some issues and the great prospects of the technology.
Floating pumping stations are the modern systems, utilized for water extraction, and water transfer from natural and/or artificial water reservoirs. These pumping systems, as their name implies, float on the water and are mounted on a buoyant platform. The floating characteristic permits these devices to respond during water level variations due to excessive rains, draughts, as well as seasonal differences in water levels.
In contrast to conventional pumping stations requiring major construction works, fixed constructions as well as substantial excavations, floating pumping stations are mounted directly on the water.
It is without a doubt the most remarkable feature of the floating pumping station that they have maximum versatility concerning elevation. These systems function regardless of the available water. There are no restrictions to their operations in a drought when water is scarce or in flood situations where the water level is high.
Installing pumping stations in the past required a lot of piping-pulling resources to build concrete structures and set the pumping stations over long distances. Floating pumping stations remove these costs because they are modular and do not require a complex set of logistic arrangements to install easily.
The use of floating pumping stations has little effect on the environment. There is no need for excavation, waterway habitats are protected, and it is possible to create such installations powered by renewable energy sources, which will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Maintenance of traditional pumps can be time-consuming, especially in the event the pumps are located in a high or low zone where access is difficult. Floating inline pumps only require surface placement making the structure itself easy to access making it faster to properly service the machine.
Floating pumping stations can be used for a large number of applications such as in irrigation, municipal water supply, flood control, etc
In response to the overwhelming need for water sources, floating pumping stations are designed with modular parts so they can be easily assembled, tailored, and expanded as required by the specific project.
These stations are constructed from high-quality materials that are resistant to weather and can survive extreme conditions like heavy rainfall, high winds, and prolonged exposure to the sun.
These sophisticated pumps are incorporated in floating pumping stations that require less energy to achieve high flow output, thereby making operations more efficient and cost-effective.
Every project comes with its unique specifications which is why floating pumping stations can be designed to meet project specifications including the quantity of water required, the pipes to be used and the type of energy to use.
Anchors and cables aid in the stabilization of the floating platforms such that even when they are in flowing or turbulent waters, the platforms are tethered securely in place.
Irrigation requires that the water supply is stable. Floating methods are able to draw in water from reservoirs, rivers and even lakes enabling farmers to have an endless source of water for irrigation during barren periods.
In places where cities and towns are located near water bodies, floating pumping stations are particularly great because they provide a reliable source of water for domestic use in urban centres. Their flexibility makes them more appropriate with the increasing urban populations.
In situations of floods, there are floating pumping stations that are able to do away with excess water to enable the reduction of areas affected by floods, on residential and agricultural lands.
Industries, as an example, are in most cases, greatly in need of large volumes of water for cooling systems as well as in certain production phases. These requirements can be met thanks to Floating pumping stations as long as efficiency is maintained.
In the area of mining, the issues of water management become important for fighting floods and providing underground mining. Floating pumping stations resolve issues of water extraction and management in mining pits.
It developed a system on a floating platform that supports the pump and all the equipment used above water rather than submerged. The platform is made of corrosion-resistant materials, and this ensures its durability.
For water extraction purposes at the floating platform, large-volume pumps are installed onboard. It means a significant amount of volume gets the job done therefore those pumps, ideal for industrial needs.
The water that is pumped off the surface is delivered through pipelines which are mounted on the floating station. Such pipelines can be made in different dimensions and lengths in accordance to the requirements of the project.
Even as cables or weights are used to anchor the floating platform, care is taken to achieve firmness. That way the station does not move during strong rushing currents and windy weather conditions.
At Acquafront Infrastructure, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative and reliable water management solutions. Here’s why we stand out:
The floating pumping station is built with modular technology, making it lightweight, easy to operate, and transportable by truck or trailer. It can be maintained on-site, eliminating the need for dry docking, which enhances convenience and reduces maintenance costs.
The products used for the installation of the floating pumping station are designed to meet IIT, IRS, and NABL certification standards
Years of experience in water infrastructure have given us knowledge of the challenges and solutions that have to be undertaken to ensure efficient management of water resources.
We design every floating pumping station with specific requirements taken into account, thus ensuring a perfect fit for your project. Additionally, our modular floating pumping stations are fully expandable to accommodate future needs, providing flexibility and scalability as your project evolves.
Our systems employ high-quality materials, which ensure durability, reliability, and longevity.
From project planning and installation to maintenance, our team offers end-to-end support, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
We prioritise sustainability, offering products that minimise environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
While floating pumping stations are highly effective, they come with certain challenges:
Acquafront Infrastructure addresses these challenges with innovative designs, thorough site assessments, and expert engineering.
The future of floating pumping stations looks bright, and it is expected that technological advancements and the increased need to establish new practices for sustainable water management will contribute to its future. Advancements in smart automation, renewable energy integration, and IoT-based monitoring are sure to enhance their efficiency and usability.
As the world faces increasing water management challenges, floating pumping stations are being increasingly seen as part of the solution. Their adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly design position them as the technology of choice for the future.
Let Acquafront Infrastructure help you implement cutting-edge floating pumping stations for your project.
Contact us today to discuss your needs, and our team will guide you every step of the way.
Floating pumping stations would revolutionize the management of water with flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Floating pumping stations will change how people manage water during changing water levels due to their cost-effectiveness and wide range of applications.
Choose Acquafront Infrastructure Today and get associated with practitioners committed to excellence in the innovation of solutions for their clients. Let's work together to create a sustainable and efficient water management system for a better future.
A floating pumping station is a water management system that operates on a floating platform on water bodies. It is designed to extract and transfer water efficiently, adapting to fluctuating water levels.
Floating pumping stations are used in agriculture for irrigation, urban water supply, flood management, industrial processes, mining operations, and more. Their versatility makes them suitable for various applications.
Yes, floating pumping stations are eco-friendly. They require minimal civil construction, preserve aquatic ecosystems, and can integrate renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce their carbon footprint.
Floating pumping stations are stabilized using an anchoring system comprising cables, weights, or mooring systems. This ensures they remain securely in position even in strong currents or adverse weather conditions.
Yes, floating pumping stations are equipped with high-capacity pumps capable of extracting and transferring significant volumes of water, making them suitable for industrial and municipal needs.
We’re excited to introduce the Acqua Energy Series, a groundbreaking line of floating solutions designed to transform energy infrastructure on water. From harnessing solar power to distributing energy from various fuel sources like CNG, hydrogen, LPG, and petrol/diesel, the Acqua Energy Series is engineered for efficiency, adaptability, and environmental responsibility.
Acqua Energy Solar: Sustainable Solar Power on Water
Meet the Acqua Energy Solar Float, a solar energy marvel made with unique glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) that ensures no microplastic release into the water. Environmentally safe and ROHS certified, it boasts a serviceable life of up to 50 years. With a modular and scalable design, starting from 10 KW and expandable to 1 MW or more, this system is ideal for reservoirs, rivers, and lakes, offering a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and durable alternative to land-based solar installations.
Acqua Energy Station: Your Complete Floating Energy Hub
The Acqua Energy Station offers comprehensive energy storage and distribution solutions for all fuel types. Using configurable Modular Barge Floats and SIFJ Floats, it comes pre-fitted with essential equipment like Porta Cabins, railings, lighting, and anchoring arrangements. Perfect for floating battery storage, boat charging stations, CNG/Hydrogen/LNG filling stations, and fuel storage, Acqua Energy Station is designed to provide reliable and versatile energy infrastructure on water.
Explore how Acquafront Infrastructure (AIPL) is revolutionizing marine energy solutions with the Acqua Energy Series
This collaboration is designed to integrate cutting-edge technology products with advanced marketing strategies, enabling targeted tender participation with higher bidding capacity. Both companies are dedicated to delivering significant value to their clients and customers through this collaboration. It brings together the expertise and resources of Acquafront Infrastructure, a manufacturer of modular floating products, and Madnani Engineering Works, a renowned manufacturer of products for the defence sector and government clients. By leveraging their complementary strengths, the two companies aim to create a synergy that will drive greater value for their clients and customers.
The understanding signed today lays down the cooperation principles in several fields:
The MoU will be followed by a series of detailed agreements outlining – from time to time – the respective roles and the scope of supply.
Since steam-powered pumps were introduced to mine dewatering in the mid-18th Century, the pumphouse has been the heart of the operation. However, this staple is quickly being replaced by innovative floating pump stations, overcoming the fundamental flaw at the heart of a static pump house: its variable Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH).
NPSH is the pressure available in a pumping system, and when this drops below a certain level the pump operation will come to a grinding halt – potentially causing significant damage in addition to halting dewatering.
What makes this difficult to manage is that several factors influence NPSH, including the distance of the water’s surface to the pump – which varies significantly throughout dewatering. Managing this usually involves capital-intensive civil work to allow you to position your pumps below the water level using vertical retaining walls.
Thankfully, pontoon-mounted pumps solve this problem entirely by floating on the water’s surface and thus maintaining a constant NPSH across their lifetime through the carefully designed draft (depth within the water) of the pontoon system. Our engineered-to-order Acqua Flow series pump pontoons, are purpose-built to meet the requirements of each application, ensuring that your pump will always be able to meet its duty.
What is NPSHA vs NPSHR?
The available net positive suction head available(NPSHA), is the static pressure you have available to the system to force the water into the pump.
The available net positive suction head required (NPSHR), is the minimum amount of energy the pump requires the entry water to possess to allow the pump to meet the required duty point. If this NPSHR is greater than the NPSHA the pump will begin to cavitate (NPSHR>NPSHA).
This can be affected by several variables, such as the static differentiation between the pump’s suction and the water level, the length of the suction pipeline, the pump’s elevation above sea level and the flow rate of the fluid through the suction pipeline.
Every pump has a minimum NPSHR requirement to ensure continuous flow, which depends on its operating duty point. A pump is capable of delivering any duty point within its curve, however all the fluid it is pushing out has to be replaced with fluid coming in, i.e. the flow rate entering has to equal the flow rate exiting the pump. If the pump is pushing out fluid at a greater rate than it can get the fluid replenished, we begin to “starve” the pump, leading to cavitation. This is where the suction side creates a lower pressure area (usually on the eye of the impeller in horizontal end suction pumps), leading the entering fluid to partly vaporise. Fundamentally, this manifests as small explosions on the surface of the pump’s impeller, damaging the metal. The extent of this effect depends on the flow rate required of the pump.
The challenge of maintaining NPSHA in static pump houses
Conventional pump houses are fixed in place and usually, for design purposes, constructed above the highest design water level. Because of this, when the water level fluctuates it both drops and moves away from the shoreline – forcing operators to introduce additional suction line length, which introduces more friction, as well as increasing the pump’s static height.
Both of these reduce the NPSHA, putting the entire pumping system at risk of failure.
Acqua Flow floating platforms maintain constant NPSHA throughout dewatering
To solve this, it’s becoming increasingly popular to simply float the entire pumping platform on the water’s surface and sidestep the challenge altogether and avoid doing the civil construction required in conventional pump houses.
Acqua Flow series pump pontoons are designed to have a specific draft (depth within the water), ensuring that the available NPSH is always constant, and the suction of the pump is always flooded. With the pontoons free to float on the water and ensure a constant NPSH, pumps can maintain better, more consistent performance than their land-based counterparts.
Acqua Flow pontoons are also mobile, so when a tailings facility has come to the end of its lifespan, all the pumping infrastructure can be relocated to another dam.
Finally, Acqua Flow pontoon systems can be combined with a wide variety of access options, including floating and pivoting walkways which allow for safe access when conducting inspections and performing routine maintenance.
Reducing the installation and operating costs of your pumping system
Changing reservoir levels don’t just impact wear – they can result in significant costs if pumps need to be relocated. While some applications will maintain a static water level, in an active mining operation water levels rise and fall regularly. Even portable land-based pumping systems are ultimately restricted by their maximum suction lift (NPSH), as reservoirs can easily rise or fall outside their operating parameters – leading to additional costs as the pumps are relocated. The cost of this relocation is influenced by some factors, including the size of the pump, the hourly cost of its flow being interrupted, equipment and labour involved and potentially the cost of installing a backup unit to maintain operations during the move.
These costs, alongside the maintenance headache of cavitation, can both be easily avoided through the use of a Pontoon Pump Barge, which simply rises and falls with the reservoir level itself.
What are Mining Pontoons?
Pontoons can be of multiple types. Mining pontoons are floating platforms that are used in mining operations, used to support a variety of equipment, including pumps, walkways, and gangways.
Mining pontoons are typically made of mild steel, polyethylene or other durable materials that are resistant to corrosion and harsh weather conditions.
Pontoons are floating devices with equipment/accessories on-board to support dewatering operations. We have Acquaflow Compact, Power & Ultra series of pontoons to enhance the efficiency of water management in mining operations. These pontoons can be purchased or rented from us for versatile project requirements.
Applications of Pontoons
Some of the benefits of using mining pontoons are as follows:-
How to Choose the Best Mining Pontoon?
So far we have seen applications of pontoons along with their benefits. But how will you come to know which pontoon is suitable for your needs? How will you choose the best and right mining pontoon?
Figure 2: Acquaflow Power series with one pump configuration, being used for desilting of the reservoir
Conclusion
Thus, consider all the above-mentioned points while choosing a pontoon. We, at AIPL, provide mining pontoons on sale and on rent! We are one of the best pontoon manufacturers in India. You can buy a pontoon or rent it from us.
Visit our website for more information on pontoons.
Efficient water management is crucial across industries, from agriculture to flood control. Pump pontoons offer a modular, flexible solution for floating water pumps, ideal for environments with fluctuating water levels.
What are Pump Pontoons?
Pump pontoons are floating platforms designed to support water pumps, enabling efficient operation in water bodies like lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They are especially valuable for their adaptability, portability, and scalability.
Key Benefits
1. Flexibility: Pump pontoons work well in areas with variable water levels, such as agricultural lands or flood-prone areas.
2. Modular and Scalable: Easily expandable to accommodate additional pumps, making them perfect for growing projects.
3. Cost-Efficient: They require minimal infrastructure, lowering setup costs compared to traditional systems.
4. Eco-Friendly: Designed using environmentally conscious materials and energy efficient technologies.
Industries Using Pump Pontoons
• Agriculture: Used for irrigation in large and remote areas.
• Municipal Services: Efficient for water distribution in cities.
• Flood Control: Ideal for managing excess water during floods.
• Industrial Applications: Essential in sectors like mining and construction for de-watering.
Acquaflow Pump Pontoons
At Acquafront, our Acquaflow Pumping Station Series offers customizable, modular pump pontoons designed for a wide range of water management tasks. From the compact Acquaflow Compact to the heavy-duty Acquaflow Ultra, our solutions cater to diverse operational needs.
Conclusion
Pump pontoons provide an innovative, cost-effective solution for efficient water pumping across various industries. Explore how Acquaflow Pump Pontoons can meet your project’s needs and enhance your water management system today
In the realm of event planning, innovation is key to creating memorable and impactful experiences. Floating events, hosted on platforms that seamlessly blend with their aquatic surroundings, offer a unique and enchanting setting. At the forefront of this trend are three advanced technologies: SIFJ, Floating HDPE, and Modular Barge systems. These cutting-edge solutions are transforming how we think about and execute floating events.
SIFJ (Sustainable Integrated Floating Jetty) is designed to provide a reliable and adaptable foundation for floating events. Its robust structure and eco-friendly materials make it an ideal choice for a variety of event types, ensuring both stability and sustainability.
Key Advantages:
Floating High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) platforms are a game-changer in the world of floating events. Known for their strength and adaptability, these platforms can be used to create dynamic event spaces on water, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Benefits of Floating HDPE:
Modular Barge systems provide unparalleled versatility, allowing event planners to create floating platforms of various sizes and configurations. This flexibility makes them ideal for a wide range of events, from small private parties to grand festivals.
Highlights of Modular Barge Systems:
Floating events are not just a novel concept; they offer several distinct advantages that make them a preferred choice for event planners looking to create unforgettable experiences.
SIFJ, Floating HDPE, and Modular Barge systems are revolutionizing the way we approach event planning by offering innovative, flexible, and sustainable solutions for floating events. These technologies provide the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that your event not only stands out but also aligns with contemporary environmental standards.
If you're considering a floating event, these advanced platforms can help you create a unique and memorable experience that your guests will cherish.
As the global demand for energy continues to rise, the energy industry is seeking innovative solutions to harness and distribute power sustainably and efficiently. Floating infrastructure, such as Self-Inflating Floating Jetties (SIFJ), Floating HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) platforms, and other floating technologies, is emerging as a key player in the renewable energy sector. These floating structures provide unique advantages for offshore energy projects, including wind, solar, and wave energy, making them crucial for the industry's future.
Floating infrastructure refers to engineered structures designed to float on water bodies, providing various functionalities needed for energy generation, storage, and distribution. These infrastructures are constructed to withstand harsh marine environments while ensuring stability and safety.
Floating infrastructure represents a promising and innovative frontier in the energy industry. By leveraging the vast potential of ocean and water surfaces, these technologies offer sustainable and scalable solutions for renewable energy generation. As advancements continue and the demand for clean energy grows, floating infrastructure will play an increasingly vital role in meeting global energy needs while preserving the environment and creating new economic opportunities.
