Just like Finland, Thailand is a country full of lakes and ponds for fish farming. SCG Chemicals, a polyolefins and PVC producer, now has a rather peculiar idea for using these surfaces. The company is considering covering the bodies of water with solar panels to generate energy. According to SCG, around 14,000 m² could be used. The company is now building a pilot plant on the lake at its large petrochemicals site in Map Ta Phut.

Among other things, the consequences on the lake’s ecosystem after covering it should be investigated. Also, the specific plastics needed to support the panels must be tested for degradation and emissions. So in the end, the often criticised longevity of plastics could actually benefit the environment for once…