Work

Floating solar sustainability on land and ocean: A strategic assessment using SWOT-TWOS-PESTLE analysis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Floating Solar Projects (FSP) offer a revolutionary approach to harnessing solar energy, with the potential to address land-use constraints and tap into the expansive resources both on land and ocean surfaces. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of land-based and ocean-based Floating Solar PhotoVoltaic (FSPV) deployments using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), TOWS (a strategic approach based on SWOT), and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis. We identify the unique strengths and weaknesses of each approach, such as land-based FSP’s easier implementation versus ocean-based FSP’s potential for large-scale generation. The TOWS matrix further develops strategic options for leveraging these differences, while the PESTLE analysis assesses the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that will shape the success of each deployment. Additionally, the analysis highlights the abundance of opportunities for FSPV systems, particularly in terms of policy and economic support, contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and technological advancements. This comprehensive assessment provides critical insights for stakeholders aiming to implement FSPV strategically, driving the transition toward a sustainable energy future.

Source: Science and Technology for Energy Transition

DOI: 10.2516/stet/2024114

Authors: Nisha Kaur, K. Sudhakar, M.R. Mohamed, Erdem Cuce, Dan Barbulescu

Institutions: Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Birmingham City University, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Universiti Malaysia Pahang