loader from loading.io

Solar Farm on the Ocean : The Pros and Cons of China's Largest Offshore Solar Project

How To Protect The Ocean

Release Date: 11/22/2024

Ocean Ramsay's Shark Whisperer, A Review of the Conservation Claims and Controversies show art Ocean Ramsay's Shark Whisperer, A Review of the Conservation Claims and Controversies

How To Protect The Ocean

Ocean Ramsay's new documentary, called Shark Whisperer, is out on Netflix, and this is my review. This episode investigates Ocean Ramsey’s viral shark interactions, including her approach of touching and redirecting sharks in open water. We explore how these encounters influence shark behavior and why marine scientists warn about potential stress, habituation, and public safety concerns when sharks associate humans with food or physical contact. Shark Conservation: We break down Ramsey’s role in raising awareness for shark conservation and her contributions to Hawaii’s 2021 shark fishing...

info_outline Ocean Conservation Disconnect with People: Straws, Sharks, and Science Barriers show art Ocean Conservation Disconnect with People: Straws, Sharks, and Science Barriers

How To Protect The Ocean

Ocean Conservation Disconnect defines the state of ocean conservation today, where public enthusiasm rarely translates into real impact. The viral plastic straw campaign proved that a simple symbol could spark global conversations, yet it shifted focus away from the systemic changes needed to reduce ocean plastic. Swapping plastic for metal straws may feel empowering, but it does not challenge the corporations and industries fueling the crisis. Ocean Ramsey represents a modern paradox: charismatic advocates who bring sharks to mainstream attention, but sometimes offer shallow solutions. As her...

info_outline Tuna Sustainability and The Work of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation show art Tuna Sustainability and The Work of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation

How To Protect The Ocean

Tuna sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a complex challenge tackled head-on by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In this episode, Susan Jackson, ISSF President, joins host Andrew Lewin to unpack their groundbreaking 2024 Annual Report. From developing biodegradable jelly-FADs to advancing electronic monitoring standards, Susan explains how ISSF works with fishers, corporations, and NGOs to make global tuna fishing more sustainable and transparent. Electronic monitoring takes center stage as Susan discusses how vessel-level cameras and sensors are...

info_outline How French Polynesia Protected 4.8 Million km² of Ocean: The World’s Largest MPA show art How French Polynesia Protected 4.8 Million km² of Ocean: The World’s Largest MPA

How To Protect The Ocean

French Polynesia marine protected area is now the largest in the world, covering nearly 4.8 million square kilometers of ocean. This groundbreaking conservation effort was announced during the United Nations Ocean Conference and includes large no-take zones near the Society and Gambier Islands, along with expansive areas that restrict harmful activities like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. The MPA recognizes traditional fishing rights while also preserving critical marine habitats. Marine conservation leadership by French Polynesia demonstrates how small island states can make bold...

info_outline The Problem with Seaweed Aquaculture: Hidden Threats to Marine Life show art The Problem with Seaweed Aquaculture: Hidden Threats to Marine Life

How To Protect The Ocean

The problem with seaweed aquaculture is that it’s not always as ocean-friendly as it seems. While seaweed farming is often praised as a climate solution—able to sequester carbon, improve water quality, and support sustainable food systems—scientists are now warning that its rapid, unregulated expansion could be damaging vital marine ecosystems. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we dive into how seaweed farms are being placed over seagrass meadows, disrupting fish nurseries, smothering biodiversity, and altering water chemistry in ways we’re only beginning to understand....

info_outline UN Ocean Conference 2025: Big Promises, Global Funding, and the Push for Ocean Protection show art UN Ocean Conference 2025: Big Promises, Global Funding, and the Push for Ocean Protection

How To Protect The Ocean

UNOC 2025 brought major headlines in ocean conservation—from billions pledged to protect biodiversity, to significant movement on the High Seas Treaty. In this episode, Andrew Lewin returns from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, with a firsthand account of what was announced, what was promised, and what might actually happen. Ocean finance was a hot topic this year. Governments, development banks, and private investors pledged record-breaking funding to tackle everything from plastic pollution to marine ecosystem restoration. But Andrew dives into why these billions still fall...

info_outline Why Cayman Islanders Voted to Stop a Cruise Ship Pier and Save Their Reef show art Why Cayman Islanders Voted to Stop a Cruise Ship Pier and Save Their Reef

How To Protect The Ocean

Why Cayman Islanders Voted against a massive cruise ship pier is a rare and powerful story of reef protection over profit. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin unpacks the bold decision by Cayman citizens to reject a development project that would have severely damaged their coral reef ecosystem. The vote sent a clear message: the long-term health of the ocean matters more than short-term tourism dollars. Why Cayman Islanders Voted is also a reminder that grassroots action can be effective. Andrew explores how this vote happened, what it means for ocean conservation around...

info_outline How US Climate Policy Affects Renewable Energy and Ocean Conservation show art How US Climate Policy Affects Renewable Energy and Ocean Conservation

How To Protect The Ocean

Climate policy in the U.S. has taken a wild ride in recent years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I speak with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communication Advisors, about the turbulent shifts in federal policy—especially during the Trump and Biden administrations, and how these shifts have disrupted progress in renewable energy. We examine the implications of these changes for energy development, environmental protection, and the impact of public messaging on political will to act. Renewable energy isn’t just a technological challenge—it’s also a communication challenge....

info_outline Oceans Day: A Message of Hope and Action for Ocean Conservation show art Oceans Day: A Message of Hope and Action for Ocean Conservation

How To Protect The Ocean

Oceans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect on the state of our blue planet and our role in protecting it. In this heartfelt episode, Andrew Lewin shares a personal message for Oceans Day 2025 (and any day after), speaking directly to those who feel overwhelmed by climate anxiety and unsure of their place in ocean conservation. His reminder is clear: the problems may be big, but so is our potential to create change. Ocean conservation isn’t only for scientists or policymakers—it’s for everyone. Andrew emphasizes that small, intentional actions taken by...

info_outline Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries show art Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries

How To Protect The Ocean

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) began as a bold idea—to create a real-time, always-on listening system for the ocean. In this episode, Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries, we go behind the scenes with the people who made that idea real. From laying cables deep in the Pacific to building trust with research institutions and government partners, this is the untold story of how a world-leading ocean observatory came to life. Our guests—Kate Moran (President and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada), John Delaney (Professor Emeritus, School of Oceanography, University of Washington), and...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

The largest solar farm on the ocean is now running off the coast of China as the country continues to invest in ways to support its sustainable energy needs. 

In the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses China's deployment of the world's largest open sea offshore solar panel farm. The project, developed by CHN Energy, spans 1,223 hectares (3,023 acres) and is located 8 kilometers off the coast of China. It aims to generate one gigawatt of renewable energy and is notable for its innovative use of offshore solar technology.

Pros of the Offshore Solar Project

  1. Efficient Land Use: Utilizing water bodies for solar energy reduces the need for land clearing and habitat destruction typically associated with land-based solar farms.

  2. Reduced Evaporation: The solar panels cover the water surface, which can help conserve water by reducing evaporation rates in reservoirs and agricultural areas.

  3. Improved Solar Efficiency: The cooling effect of water can enhance the efficiency of solar panels compared to those installed on land.

  4. Dual Use Potential: Floating solar farms can coexist with hydroelectric facilities, optimizing energy production and utilizing existing infrastructure.

  5. Algal Bloom Reduction: The solar panels can help suppress harmful algal blooms in aquatic systems by limiting sunlight penetration.

  6. Clean Energy Generation: The project contributes to renewable energy production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

Cons of the Offshore Solar Project

  1. Impact on Aquatic Systems: The shade from solar panels may alter water temperature and light penetration, potentially disrupting habitats for aquatic plants and animals.

  2. Habitat Disruption: The solar farm installation could affect fish spawning areas and migratory patterns, similar to concerns raised about wind farms.

  3. Material Degradation: Using plastics and metals in solar structures could lead to microplastic contamination and chemical pollution over time.

  4. Recreational Disruption: Floating solar farms may hinder recreational activities, fishing, and navigation in the area.

  5. Installation Risks: The anchoring and cabling required for the solar systems could disturb sediments and harm local aquatic habitats.

  6. Vulnerability to Weather Events: The structures may be susceptible to damage from storms, hurricanes, and flooding, potentially releasing debris or pollutants into the water.

The episode emphasizes the need for careful planning and mitigation strategies to address the potential environmental concerns associated with floating solar farms. While the project presents a promising opportunity for renewable energy generation, it also raises important questions about the ecological impacts on marine environments. The host encourages listeners to engage in the conversation about the balance between renewable energy development and ocean conservation.

Link to article: https://electrek.co/2024/11/14/china-worlds-largest-open-sea-offshore-solar-farm/

Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.
 
Do you want to join my Ocean Community?
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
 
Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter