Design, Sizing, and Sensorisation of an FPV Power Plant at the Monte Novo Dam, Portugal

This study presents the design for implementation of a floating photovoltaic (FPV) system on the Monte Novo reservoir in Évora, a potable water supply resource. The installation integrates multiple flotation technologies and structural layouts, combined with a dense sensor network for realtime monitoring of environmental parameters, water quality, and energy performance. The work focuses on assessing the mutual impacts between the FPV system and the aquatic ecosystem, while defining robust protocols for safe operation and long-term reliability. In addition, the study explores hybridisation with the electrical grid to strengthen water treatment processes. By addressing technical performance, environmental interactions, and operational integration, the study provides evidencebased insights to guide future FPV projects in sensitive freshwater environments and contributes to advancing sustainable solutions for the water–energy nexus.