Innova Capital Partners, an energy and infrastructure developer, will partner with France-based Ciel & Terre (C&T) to develop floating solar projects in Colombia.
The company’s subsidiary Innova Solar Colombia (ISC), which is a member of the Innova Latin American Development Program, will be the local developer of the projects.
It will also handle their investments while C&T will deliver its PV floating technology and expertise to develop the solutions.
Floating solar projects are built with panels floating over water surface in contrast to conventional ground-mounted and rooftop solar plants.
As a result, floating solar systems can be deployed in hydroelectric dams, irrigation reservoirs and industrial water ponds, among other areas of use.
According to Innova, it is a relatively quick and inexpensive process for installing solar panels on water in comparison to ground-mounted solar panel systems. Apart from that, floating solar plants can bring down evaporation while decelerating the growth of algae in freshwater.
Innova Latin American development head Patricia Rodriguez said: “Utilizing Ciel & Terre’s best in class technology and ISC’s development experience and reach in the region, we look forward to offering this innovative solution to our clients.”
Innova says that Colombia gives scope for floating solar projects owing to the presence of a huge number of reservoirs having appropriate infrastructure to facilitate their development.
As of now, there are 62 reservoirs which have been classified as large dams according to the International Commission of Large Dams.
C&T international sales director Eva Pauly-Bowles said: “Since 2010 Ciel & Terre has promoted floating solar worldwide. Floating solar fills the gaps left by pursuing only ground mount and rooftop opportunities.
“Within our global approach we strategically identify regions, and ideal partners within the territory. We recognize Colombia as a promising region and Innova as our key partner and look forward to working with Innova to bring floating solar to Colombia.”
Image: Innova and Ciel & Terre to jointly develop floating solar projects in Colombia. Photo: Courtesy of Ciel & Terre International.