Floating Solar Operator Activates Preventive Measures as Wushantou Reservoir Water Levels Decline

In response to concerns raised by local stakeholders over declining reservoir water levels and their potential impact on the floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project at Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan, Taiwan's Energy Administration under MOEA (MOEAEA) stated that the project operator has activated its dry-season contingency measures.

The concerns focused on reports that portions of the floating platform system had come into contact with reservoir sediment due to lower water levels, as well as the exposure of certain electrical conduits and pipelines.

According to the MOEAEA, the operator has already implemented preventive measures, including the removal of affected support structures and PV modules in impacted areas. All affected PV strings have been isolated and de-energized to ensure operational safety.

The MOEAEA further noted that all on-site electrical conduits are constructed using high-specification, double-layer weather-resistant materials. The overall structural integrity and electrical systems of the floating solar facility remain under continuous monitoring and are operating within safe parameters. The MOEAEA will continue to closely oversee the project and ensure that appropriate safety measures remain in place.

The MOEAEA explained that floating PV projects are designed with safety margins that account for seasonal water-level fluctuations and site-specific topographical conditions, including periods of low reservoir levels.

In response to the continued decline in water levels at Wushantou Reservoir, the project operator has intensified its monitoring efforts since last week, increasing on-site inspections to a daily basis. The portions of the floating PV platform have recently come into contact with reservoir sediment due to falling water levels. To mitigate potential risks associated with uneven reservoir-bed conditions, including structural stress imbalances or platform deformation, the operator has proactively initiated preventive support structure and PV module removal measures in designated areas of the project site.

The MOEAEA emphasized that all PV strings within the affected sections have been electrically isolated and de-energized, ensuring that no power generation occurs in those areas. These precautionary measures do not affect the overall safety or operational integrity of the solar facility.

Responding to concerns that exposed electrical conduits may be vulnerable to prolonged solar radiation and potential material degradation, the MOEAEA emphasized that all exposed cabling at the project site is protected by a high-specification dual-layer protection system designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and extreme weather events.

The protection system consists of:

1. Outer Protective Layer (HDPE Conduit): Constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the outer conduit provides high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and elevated thermal tolerance, with a melting point ranging from approximately 120°C to 130°C. The material is designed to protect internal components from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and external mechanical impacts.

2. Inner Electrical Cable (DC 1000V Solar PV Cable): The inner cable is a specialized photovoltaic cable engineered for demanding outdoor environments. It features high resistance to elevated temperatures, humidity, and electrical stress, with an operating temperature tolerance of up to 120°C and enhanced weather-resistant properties.

The MOEAEA stated that both layers are designed for long-term outdoor exposure and can operate safely under prolonged sunlight and high-temperature conditions.

The MOEAEA reiterated that advancing renewable energy deployment and safeguarding environmental and public safety are equally important policy objectives. It added that the government will continue to closely oversee the operation and maintenance of floating solar projects at reservoir sites and require project operators to conduct daily inspections and implement dynamic operational adjustments as necessary. These measures are intended to ensure the protection of water resources while supporting renewable energy development and maintaining the highest standards of public safety.

Source:MOEAEA