Realize 100% Renewable Energy by Sailing Mega-Solar Rafts in Low-Latitude Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Besides offshore wind power, which is a major target of renewable energy development worldwide, huge sunshine energy affluent in the low-latitude Pacific Ocean may be captured with a reasonable economy by mega-PV solar module rafts sailing slowly on open seas. Maritime conditions there are very favorable, with vast areas of rich sunshine and mild wind/wave conditions and little risk of tropical storms. According to international maritime law, the open seas are considered open to the peaceful sailing of mega-solar rafts, though their impacts on other vessels should be minimized. A crude feasibility study indicates that it is not a baseless dream but worth challenging by integrating already available basic technologies, upgrading, and upscaling. With due international cooperation, including island nations, it will contribute to dramatically increasing renewable energy resources for human-being along with offshore wind power.