09/23/2026
Celebrating the engineers and the creatives that utilize innovation to solve problems in our world.
California's Project Nexus installed solar canopies directly over irrigation canals in Turlock, turning existing water infrastructure into a dual-purpose system that reduces evaporation and generates renewable energy without using additional land. The project, completed in 2025, tests three different panel configurations across canals ranging from 20 to 115 feet wide. Researchers at UC Merced estimate that covering 100 miles of wide canals could save enough water for 11,000 households annually and generate up to 1,400 megawatts — enough to power 304,000 homes. The panels also reduced algal and aquatic w**d growth, improving water quality. California's total water supply could shrink by up to 25% by 2050 due to rising temperatures, making evaporation reduction a critical priority. The project received $20 million in state funding. A final report on results is expected later this year.
