Case studies

Fishery- and agriculture-solar complementation projects in Mainland China

Fishery and solar complementation projects involve building solar generators on the surface of ponds, thus combining space for fish farming and solar power generation. The photovoltaic modules help to reduce the water surface temperature to a certain extent, preventing loss of aquaculture due to high water temperatures and improving the growth and feeding of fish. Traditional aquaculture only obtains aquaculture products and delivers a single source of income. Fishery and solar complementation projects utilise available resources more efficiently and can increase farmers’ income.

CLP’s Sihong Solar Power Station in Mainland China is a fishery-solar hybrid power plant which illustrates fishery and solar complementation. CLP has continued to optimise the power station’s facilities for aquaculture by constructing waterproof dams, improving anti-evasion facilities, improving water diversion facilities during dry seasons, and inviting aquatic experts to conduct on-site inspections and provide guidance to contractors. Continuous development and experimentation with the help of aquaculture experts has led to the production of crabs and crayfish exceeding expectations. It is planned to launch the second phase of fish farming next year, which will involve expanding the scale of operations and improving the overall utilisation rate of the site. The result will be a sustainable operation that blends ecological aquaculture with solar power generation.

Agriculture-solar complementation projects involve carrying out agricultural activity on solar sites, a process which can rebuild biodiversity and safeguard the health of local ecosystems. CLP’s Huai'an Solar Farm has continued to implement agriculture-photovoltaic complementation initiatives. These have involved creating a good growing environment for crops, increasing the number of drainage ditches and culverts in solar farm areas, and repairing some agricultural greenhouses. Agricultural experts have also been invited to provide on-site guidance. The harvest yields of grapes and snakegourd fruit have been higher than expected, a testimony to the value of making composite use of land in the Solar Farm to enhance its sustainable operation.

CLP’s Xicun Solar Farm has also enhanced the sustainable operation of the land used for solar panels by planting honeysuckle under the panels. Soil erosion can occur during the rainy season in the area, and the honeysuckle helps to stabilise the soil and prevent erosion while at the same time enhancing the utilisation of land.

Crabs and crayfish being released at Sihong Solar Power Station.

Part of the fruit harvest at Huai'an Solar Farm.