Federal Government Supports California’s Proposal to Implement Solar Panels Above Waterways

SANTA NELLA, Calif.—On April 4, a division of the federal government announced a $15 million solar-over-canals pilot project in California, aimed at conserving water and reducing power and water costs in the state.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with members from the Biden administration and local Congressmen, gathered to celebrate the announcement at a press conference at a pumping station on the Delta-Mendota aqueduct in Santa Nella in the Central Valley.

Funding for this initiative will be derived from the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.

The allocated funds will be utilized to test various systems over a five-year period, which include floating solar panels and panels spanning canals, to determine their effectiveness and economic feasibility.

Supporters of these projects, including the governor, highlight the potential benefits such as reduced water evaporation and invasive aquatic plant growth, stressing the importance and advantages these projects offer to the state.

During a question from The Epoch Times, Mr. Newsom emphasized the significant impact of reduced water evaporation resulting from these projects.

A 2021 study by the University of California–Merced revealed that covering the state’s approximately 4,000 miles of aqueducts with solar panels could save nearly 65 billion gallons of water lost to evaporation annually.

With plans to cover miles of canal later this year, Governor Newsom highlighted the creation of numerous job opportunities resulting from these projects.

Mr. Newsom noted, “Jobs are an absolutely critical component of this…creating an economic output and competitive footprint for this state that is enviable globally.”

The recent projects follow the state’s $20 million investment in canal-spanning solar panels overseen by the Turlock water district in the northern Central Valley in 2022, known as “Project Nexus,” which is expected to conclude in 2024.

While some in the agricultural sector have raised concerns about the impact of solar panels in the Central Valley on land use, proponents argue that these projects offer mutual benefits without the need for real estate acquisitions.

Mr. Newsom stated, “This is existing, built infrastructure, so you’re not competing with other open space.”

Another potential advantage is increased energy production, as indicated by the UC Merced study, which suggests that if all canals were covered, around 13 gigawatts of power could be generated—equivalent to powering San Francisco for over a year.

This energy production could contribute to lowering power costs statewide and potentially reducing water expenses, according to a Democratic Congressman who has long supported these now-materializing concepts.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) expressed during the press conference, “This idea of putting…solar over canals makes so much sense, and we’ve been talking about it for so long. Now, we’re making it happen.”

He emphasized that these projects enable stakeholders to better understand optimal options that minimize maintenance costs while delivering effective results.

Mr. Huffman said, “This is such a thoughtful and intelligent way to move forward on this. We’re all very excited to see how it goes and figure out which of these technologies works the best and scale it up because the benefits are so great.”

A federal government official described the plan as a testament to collaborative efforts and its potential key role in a sustainable future.

Michael Brain, principal deputy assistant secretary for water and science at the Department of the Interior, stated during the press conference, “These projects truly are innovation and creativity at work to meet the moment, and they showcase what exactly we can accomplish when we come together, with states, tribes, and local communities to solve these big problems.”

The head of the department overseeing the pilot projects stressed the importance of studying methodologies.

Camille Calimlim Touton, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation commissioner, said, “Water is essential to everything we do…any investment in water infrastructure is an investment in our future.”

She emphasized that these projects could establish a harmonious relationship between energy production and water delivery.

Ms. Touton stated, “This is really an opportunity for us to learn…we are leading by example to drive clean, healthy, and resilient operations.”

A local representative highlighted the significance of the investment, emphasizing its long-overdue necessity.

Rep. Jim Costa asserted during the press conference, “This is about investing in America because we have not been making the investments we needed a long time ago…we’re living off of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations.”

He stressed the vital role of water in the agricultural region and beyond, stating, “Where water flows, food grows…It is the undeniable critical element in the sustainability of not only the future of our valley but our state and our nation.”