Diode Ventures is developing a 120+ megawatt (MW) solar project over existing aquaculture farms in Tainan City, Taiwan. The project will provide up to 10MW to help expand Google’s position as the world’s largest purchaser of renewable energy. Diode is partnered with Enfinite Capital, who has co-invested in the development with Diode and is supporting development activities including capital formation.

“Our first renewable energy project in Asia is an encouraging case study of what’s possible when forward-thinking government officials, local stakeholders, and companies work together for a brighter future,” said Marsden Hanna, Senior Lead, Energy & Infrastructure, at Google.

Positive community impact and an effort to maximize land-use efficiency were key factors in determining the design and scope of the project. The project utilizes an innovative solar panel arrangement that elevates each panel several feet above the surface of local fish farm ponds. The approach respects local ecology of fish ponds with negligible impact on the fish, while creating a revenue stream for the fishing community hosting the panels.