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Solar energy is one of the fastest rising renewable energy sources in the world but hydro energy has been one of the most influential around the globe. One only needs to look at the Hoover Dam to see just how huge getting energy from water actually is. As such, Portugal’s newly opened giant solar dam should prove to be one of the most interesting developments in regards to renewable energy by far.
The Alto Rabagão dam is an enormous edifice in Portugal that combines two of the most essential renewable energy sources in the world. Over 840 solar panels are currently floating on the water’s surface by the dam, which adds over 220kWp of energy to the 68 MWh that the construct already has, Futurism reports.
Floating solar panel specialist Ciel & Terre International (C&T) is responsible for providing these slabs to the power plant. The company specializes in creating panels that are not only efficient but are also ecologically friendly. This allows the panels to be placed on bodies of water, thus saving valuable space on land.
What’s more, the panels also serve as something of a barrier, which keeps the water from evaporating too fast during hot seasons and dampens algae growth. Even the waves of the reservoir are reduced, which is great since it means a slower erosion of the banks.
As The Huffington Post recently noted in an article, the success of the Alto Rabagão dam could have far-reaching consequences. Once the world sees just how easy it is to combine the two green elements and then make use of the energy benefits that they can provide, numerous countries will most likely follow suit.
Portugal is simply one of the most enthusiastic countries to support renewable energy efforts as well. Its policies are quite friendly to green energy and promote huge movements among renewable companies.
