China started covering its canals with solar panels.

China, one of the world's leading countries in renewable energy, has started to cover its canals with solar panels. In this way, both electricity generation and reduction in water evaporation are aimed to be achieved.

According to the news of the Chinese media, the world's first project on solar energy covering canals, which is implemented in the city of Huai'an, is expected to generate 20 million kWh of electricity per year. The project, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 20 million tons in 25 years, is also expected to prevent the loss of 40 million cubic meters of water annually due to evaporation.

It is stated that the project, which is expected to provide electricity to 15 thousand households in Huai'an, will also contribute to the reduction of solar panel prices by creating a mass production effect. If successful, it is stated that this model will be expanded to other regions in China as well.

China, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2060, has a great potential in solar energy thanks to its high sun exposure. In 2020, it became the country with the largest solar energy capacity in the world with a total installed capacity of 240 GW.