Governor Gavin Newsom announced the completion of California’s first solar-covered canal in the Central Valley [Turlock], launching a first-of-its-kind pilot project aimed at saving water, generating renewable energy and reducing maintenance costs. Known as Project Nexus, the $20 million initiative places solar panels directly over irrigation canals to test whether the approach can help California better manage water resources while expanding clean energy production. State officials say the project is designed to evaluate whether covering canals with solar infrastructure can reduce water lost to evaporation before it reaches farms, homes and businesses.

Related articles:

• The Modesto Bee (Calif.): Turlock district, UC Merced test solar panels on canals. State leaders get a peek
• KGET (Bakersfield, Calif.): State launches new two-in-one energy and water project in Central Valley
• UC Merced: News release: State’s first solar canal project moves from UC Merced lab to real world
• Gov. Gavin Newsom: News release: Governor Newsom announces the completion of first-of-its-kind solar-covered canal in the Central Valley — piloting a new way to save water and reduce costs