China Unveils the World’s Largest Floating Solar Farm on Former Coal Mine
In a bold move toward clean energy, China has launched the world’s largest floating solar farm atop a flooded former coal mine in Huainan, Anhui Province. With a remarkable capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW), this massive project is capable of powering 2.6 million homes annually, marking a major milestone in renewable energy development, land reuse, and sustainable engineering.
This installation is more than a power generator—it’s a powerful symbol of transformation: from resource extraction to regeneration, from environmental damage to climate innovation.
From Coal to Clean Energy
The site of this floating solar farm once represented China’s reliance on fossil fuels. For decades, the area was a hub of coal mining, fueling the country’s industrial growth but also contributing to severe air pollution.
Over time, the mining pit collapsed and filled with water, forming an artificial lake. Rather than abandoning this degraded land, Chinese engineers saw opportunity: by covering the lake with over 13,000 solar panels, they transformed an environmental liability into a sustainable energy solution.
This smart repurposing of unused land also solves a major issue faced by solar projects worldwide—the competition for agricultural and urban space.
How Floating Solar Technology Works
Floating solar, or Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) technology, involves installing solar panels on floating platforms that rest on water surfaces. These systems not only generate electricity but offer several additional advantages:
- Higher efficiency: The cooling effect of the water boosts panel performance by 10–15%.
- Water conservation: Panels reduce evaporation, critical in water-scarce areas.
- Land preservation: No need to occupy farmland or residential areas.
In Huainan, the lake’s calm waters provide ideal conditions. Custom-designed anchors stabilize the system during storms, while underwater cables deliver electricity to the grid.
Impressive Technical Specs
- Power capacity: 1 GW (1,000 megawatts)
- Surface area: Over 13 square kilometers
- Annual energy output: More than 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- Carbon savings: Around 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂ annually
The farm uses high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels and corrosion-resistant floating frames designed to withstand UV rays and extreme weather.
Developed by Industry Leaders
This landmark project was developed by China Three Gorges Corporation, the state-owned enterprise known for building the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. In collaboration with Sungrow Power Supply Co., the companies integrated advanced inverters and energy management systems optimized for aquatic environments.
Its success has already sparked global interest, with similar projects now planned in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Beyond reducing carbon emissions, the floating solar farm is revitalizing the local economy. Former coal miners have been retrained to work in clean energy roles, including maintenance, panel cleaning, and drone inspections.
Key benefits include:
- Job creation: Over 2,000 jobs during construction and hundreds for ongoing operations
- Water efficiency: Up to 70% reduction in evaporation in shaded areas
- Land restoration: Demonstrates how abandoned industrial sites can serve climate solutions
The public health and environmental cost savings amount to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
A Global Milestone in the Energy Transition
This floating solar farm marks a new chapter in solar technology and sets a global benchmark for innovation. As the world’s largest energy consumer and emitter, China faces enormous pressure to transition away from coal.
The Huainan project is pivotal in meeting China’s goals of peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
Opportunities and Challenges
While promising, floating solar still faces some challenges:
- Higher upfront costs than land-based systems
- Durability concerns, including humidity, algae growth, and corrosion
- Complex maintenance, requiring boats or amphibious robots
Fortunately, ongoing innovation—such as stronger materials, smarter anchoring systems, and AI-based monitoring—is steadily addressing these issues.
What’s Next for Floating Solar in China?
Encouraged by the success in Huainan, China has announced plans to expand its floating solar capacity to over 10 GW by 2030. Dozens of projects are underway in provinces like Jiangsu, Shandong, and Sichuan.
Researchers are also exploring hybrid systems that combine solar with aquaculture, hydropower, and energy storage, turning water bodies into multi-purpose renewable power hubs.
Under the Green Belt and Road Initiative, China is exporting FPV technology to partner countries, making it a key player in the global clean energy transition.
Conclusion
The Huainan floating solar farm stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. By transforming a former coal mine into a clean energy powerhouse, China has shown the world how vision, technology, and commitment can reshape the future.
From mine to megawatt, this project tells a story of redemption—and may very well be the kind of creative, ambitious thinking the world needs to confront the climate crisis.
