The first phase of the Nexus project aims to combine renewable energy with water resource conservation through the use of solar covered canals. This phase has been completed and the second phase is progressing smoothly.

The Nexus project is led by the University of California, Merced and implemented in the Tlok Irrigation Area (TID), aiming to explore the potential of solar covered canals in optimizing land use. This innovative method not only generates clean energy, but also reduces water evaporation. The project aims to collect key data on energy production, water conservation, and operational efficiency, laying the foundation for future large-scale implementation.

The benefits of solar covered canals go far beyond electricity generation. Research shows that installing solar panels on California's canals can save 63 billion gallons of water annually, enough to meet the water needs of 2 million people. Other advantages include:

Reduce algae growth in the canal by blocking sunlight exposure.
Utilize existing infrastructure to produce clean electricity.
Minimize land use conflicts and protect farmland and natural ecosystems as much as possible.
Help regulate the temperature of solar panels.
Since its launch, the Nexus project has made substantial progress in demonstrating the feasibility of canal solar power generation technology. The first phase covers a narrow canal, which has been put into operation and started generating electricity, demonstrating the structure and power generation potential of this model. At present, the project is expanding its scale by installing solar panels on a wider span of the canal to further test its adaptability.

One of the companies supporting this progress is BEI Construction, an experienced renewable energy contractor. BEI is responsible for the electrical integration of the project, utilizing field validated expertise to ensure seamless and efficient installation.

This project also presents unique challenges, especially for BEI's safety team, as water-based operations require new regulations compared to land-based solar power plants. One major challenge is to apply engineering solutions to a 250 mile canal system, where different widths require different structural methods. The second phase of the project alone has expanded from 20 feet (about 6 meters) in the first phase to 110 feet (about 33 meters), requiring customized installation methods.

In addition, safety is of paramount importance - construction personnel must work on water and implement specialized preventive measures such as work platforms, fall prevention systems, and advanced electrical safety measures to ensure a safe installation environment.

Dominic DiMare, CEO of BEI Construction, said: "At BEI Construction, we take pride in solving complex infrastructure challenges. Our work on the Nexus project demonstrates our commitment to breaking through the boundaries of renewable energy integration while maintaining the highest safety standards. ”

As the second phase progresses, the Nexus project is expected to provide valuable insights in energy production, water conservation, and operational efficiency. These findings will guide future expansion opportunities and assist California in promoting sustainable infrastructure solutions more widely.