An analysis by RWE and Fraunhofer ISE reveals that Germany could install up to 2.5 gigawatts of floating photovoltaic systems on artificial water bodies if the solar modules are oriented east-west. This potential remains even with the existing stringent legal requirements. Currently, Germany has 21 megawatts of floating PV systems in operation, with an additional 62 megawatts either under construction or in planning.

While the global adoption of floating photovoltaic systems is on the rise, Germany is yet to catch up. The restrictive conditions imposed by the Renewable Energy Sources Act and the Water Resources Act have hindered the widespread use of this technology.

These conditions, which complicate the economic operation of these systems, highlight the urgent need for regulatory changes. According to the analysis, the theoretical potential for floating photovoltaics on artificial water bodies is 1.8 gigawatts with south-facing modules and 2.5 gigawatts with east-west facing modules, assuming compliance with strict technical, economic, and ecological requirements. However, the current regulations limit coverage to 15 per cent of the water surface and require solar modules to be at least 40 meters from the shore, further emphasizing the need for reform.

Karolina Baltins, head of floating photovoltaics at Fraunhofer ISE, notes that the practical potential under current conditions is 1.8 to 2.5 gigawatts peak. However, the technical potential is much higher, with at least 14 gigawatts peak possible with 15 percent water coverage and a 20-meter edge strip. This potential could increase dramatically if 35 percent coverage were permitted, potentially reaching up to 45 gigawatts peak. This exciting prospect of increased energy production underscores the importance of revisiting the current regulations.

Germany has 6,043 artificial lakes, each at least one hectare in size, totalling over 90,000 hectares. About 70 per cent of these are gravel pits, but the analysis also included reservoirs, retention basins, dams, and mining lakes. Most of these artificial bodies of water are located in Saxony and Baden-Württemberg.