California

California will kickstart a pilot, floating “solar-over-canal” project thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The research will play a crucial role in preventing water evaporation as Californians face an increasing water shortage, while also reducing dirty air emissions. The project, which will use $15 million from the IRA, aims to identify the best floating designs and waterways that will maximize clean energy capture and water preservation. The IRA funding allows increased solar efficiency (due to the cooling effect of the water below), preserves land for agricultural use, and reduces facility management costs.

“It’s a no-brainer,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom, a former vice-chair of NewDEAL, “it just makes sense to do something that has so many co-benefits.”