China has commissioned a significant 250 MW fishery-solar hybrid photovoltaic (PV) project in Tangshan, Hebei Province, marking a substantial stride in the nation’s renewable energy and sustainable aquaculture initiatives. This innovative facility, developed by Beijing-based Dajin Heavy Industry, integrates 370,000 bifacial solar panels over active fish ponds, embodying a dual-use model that maximizes land efficiency and yields both economic and environmental benefits.
The Shilihai Fishery-Solar Hybrid Project
The newly commissioned Shilihai project spans approximately 353 hectares of fish ponds, employing a “power generation above, aquaculture below” methodology. This design allows for the simultaneous production of clean electricity and the continuation of stable fishery operations. The project’s 370,000 bifacial solar panels are engineered to optimize solar energy conversion while providing an environment conducive to aquaculture beneath.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The Shilihai fishery-solar hybrid project is projected to generate approximately 400 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually. This output is equivalent to saving 120,000 tons of standard coal and mitigating 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, significantly contributing to the improvement of local air quality. Beyond its environmental contributions, the project aims to enhance land-use efficiency and deliver dual economic benefits through integrated power generation and aquaculture. This initiative aligns with Dajin Heavy Industry’s broader strategy to expand investments across the renewable energy value chain, leveraging its foundation in offshore wind manufacturing.
The Rise of Hybrid Fishery-Solar Farms in China
China has been a frontrunner in developing large-scale fishery-solar hybrid projects, driven by the desire to optimize land use, boost renewable energy generation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. These hybrid systems offer a compelling solution for countries with limited land availability, allowing for productive use of space that might otherwise be dedicated to a single purpose.
Notable Hybrid Projects Across China
Several other significant fishery-solar projects underscore China’s commitment to this innovative approach:
- Shandong’s 300 MW Project: Located in the Zhanhua District of Binzhou City in northern Shandong, a 300 MW fishery-solar plant has been operational since June 2020. This project, utilizing Huawei’s smart PV solution, generates nearly 400 million kWh of on-grid electricity annually and serves as China’s largest fishery-solar project by some metrics. It has transformed former salt fields and traditional aquaculture areas into a modern eco-development showcase, combining scientific research, public education, fishing, tourism, and restaurants.
- Wenzhou’s 550 MW Project: The Taihan 550 MW fishery-solar hybrid project in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of Asia’s largest. Constructed by CHINT Solar and connected to the grid on December 16, 2021, it features approximately 1.4 million solar modules. This project is expected to provide 650 million kWh of clean power annually, saving around 235,000 tons of standard coal and reducing 648,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The solar panels in this system are designed to regulate water temperature and oxygen content, creating a more favorable environment for aquaculture.
- Jiangsu’s 250 MW Project: Another 250 MW centralized photovoltaic power generation project is located in Jiangsu, utilizing flooded or underutilized aquaculture ponds. This project, also employing a “solar-above, fish-below” model, is estimated to exceed 300 million kWh of annual power output and reduce over 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year.
- Cixi City’s 200 MW Plant: In Cixi City, Zhejiang Province, a 200 MW solar power station has been installed above fish farms, capable of generating enough power for 100,000 households. The solar panels are strategically spaced to allow sufficient sunlight penetration for fish growth while providing shade.
Benefits of the Hybrid Model
The hybrid fishery-solar power system offers multifaceted benefits:
- Optimized Land Use: It allows for the efficient use of water bodies for both power generation and aquaculture, addressing land constraints.
- Environmental Sustainability: These projects contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels by generating clean energy. The solar panels can also help regulate water temperature and reduce evaporation, further supporting the aquatic ecosystem.
- Economic Enhancement: The dual-purpose model creates new income streams for local communities and enhances the overall economic output of the land. Fisheries can see increased yields, and the sale of electricity provides additional revenue.
- Improved Water Quality: By inhibiting the propagation of algae and regulating light transmittance, the solar-fishery hybrid system can improve water quality, providing a better living environment for fish.
The commissioning of the 250 MW Shilihai project, alongside other large-scale developments, solidifies China’s position as a leader in innovative renewable energy solutions that harmonize industrial development with ecological sustainability.
