Lightsource Bp Builds 150MW Fishery Solar Farm in Taiwan

British solar developer Lightsource is developing a 150 MW solar power park at a fishing farm in Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan, with construction expected to start in June 2023.

Lightsource bp - BP's solar joint venture - will build a 150 MW solar power park on about 200 fish ponds in Budai Township, Chiayi County in southwestern Taiwan.

The company is working with Germany's Green Rock Energy to develop the project. The two parties plan to start construction of the park in June 2023. Lightsource said the project will be one of the largest fishery solar farms in Taiwan, generating up to 210,000 MWh of electricity per year.

The company said: “Lightsource bp’s fishery solar project will benefit the local environment and community in addition to providing locally generated renewable energy and creating new jobs. Throughout the process, Lightsource bp has engaged environmental experts and local fishermen to provide professional knowledge and designed a project with multiple benefits.”

Other benefits include the addition of saltwater storage ponds to optimize the water management process for fish farmers, the company said. However, it did not disclose any other technical or financial details.

Lightsource said the implementation of the project was aided by $1.8 billion in credit and trade financing secured last year. The loans were funded by BNP Paribas and Société Générale, Santander, NatWest, Lloyds, Mitsubishi UFJ , Sumitomo Mitsui, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Toronto-Dominion Ban, and Wells Fargo.