Multiuse solar-fishing site put into operation in Changzhou

On Wednesday, the 115.5-megawatt fishery-photovoltaic complementary power generation project in Zhenglu town, Changzhou, Jiangsu province, was officially connected to the grid. The project aims to create a modern ecological agriculture and new energy industry demonstration project in Changzhou, injecting new vitality into rural vitalization.

At the project site, people can see tens of thousands of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels neatly arranged above the water surface, forming a spectacular "photovoltaic sea". Fish and crabs are farmed below the photovoltaic panels. The project integrates photovoltaic power generation with modern ecological and efficient aquaculture. The pond water surface covers a total area of about 186.67 hectares, of which the photovoltaic power station accounts for about 146.67 hectares.

"The photovoltaic modules can provide shade from the sunlight, reducing the water surface temperature during the summer, providing a better growth environment for fish and crabs," said Wu Jun, sales director of Jiangsu Jiuzhou Noah Agricultural Technology and the operation manager for aquaculture at the site. Thanks to the efficient utilization of land resources, the annual fish pond rental expenses for surrounding fishermen have been reduced by about 4.2 million yuan ($591,234), and the photovoltaic power generation is expected to increase annual revenue by more than 62 million yuan.

According to Yin Weiwei, project manager of the project management center of State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company, after the project is put into operation, the electricity generated at the site will be used to serve daily power consumption. It is estimated to generate about 160 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 135,000 metric tons per year, and save more than 49,000 tons of standard coal annually. To ensure smooth power transmission, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company adhered to the construction schedule, overcame difficulties such as simultaneous transformation of four substations and tight schedules, and completed the first 110-kilovolt double-circuit line's renovation in the province on schedule.