(Photo from Yangtze Evening Post)

A hybrid fishery-solar project in Danyang City, Zhenjiang Province has been successfully connected to the grid, making it the largest such project in the province’s southern area.

The hybrid fishery-solar model refers to the combination of fish farming and power generation. Photovoltaic panels are installed above fishponds to generate electricity, while aquaculture operations continue in the waters below. In addition, the PV panels offer partial shading, reducing water surface temperature by 2 to 3°C, thereby creating a more favorable environment for the farming of fish, shrimp, and crabs, ultimately improving aquaculture productivity.

Danyang is known for its dense river network, abundant water resources, and large-scale contiguous fishponds. The region also benefits from excellent sunlight conditions, with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Developed by Three Gorges Renewable Group, this project utilizes 276 hectares of fishponds across 15 villages to promote efficient use of space and provide renewable energy.

Once fully operational, the project will generate approximately 308 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the full-year electricity needs of over 600 private enterprises, according to Hu Xin, customer manager of the Marketing Department at State Grid Danyang Power Supply Company. The project is also expected to save about 95,000 tonnes of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 270,000 tonnes each year.