August 19, 2024 | IEEE Spectrum |
Taiwan is leveraging its extensive fishponds to develop aquavoltaics, combining solar power with aquaculture, to boost renewable energy while sustaining its vital fishery industry. A 42.9 MW facility in Tainan’s Qigu district has already started operations, producing solar energy and seafood, including mullet, shrimp, and milkfish. The government aims to install 4.4 GW of aquavoltaics by 2025 to meet its renewable energy targets, particularly for its energy-intensive semiconductor industry.
While the concept offers potential to revive struggling fishing communities, critics argue that these goals are unrealistic. Environmentalists and nonprofits warn of negative impacts on ecosystems and conflicts between solar development and agriculture. Regulatory hurdles, such as restrictions imposed after the 2020 "Double-Seven Incident," have delayed projects, including Google’s renewable energy facility.
Proponents emphasize the economic benefits, with aquavoltaics boosting seafood yields and providing higher revenues for fish farmers. Hongde Renewable Energy’s site, for example, produced 100,000 kilograms of seafood in its first year, while its indoor facility aims to generate $500,000 to $900,000 annually from shrimp farming.
Balancing solar expansion with environmental conservation remains a challenge. Developers have set aside land for wildlife, but some worry that indoor aquavoltaic facilities could harm habitats. As Taiwan pushes forward, it must navigate these tensions to achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals.
