Abstract
Iran's arid and semi-arid climate necessitates innovative strategies to address interlinked water and energy challenges. Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) systems offer a dual advantage by simultaneously generating clean electricity and reducing reservoir evaporation. This study assesses the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of FSPV deployment across 117 major reservoirs in Iran using ArcGIS-based spatial analysis, high-resolution Solargis solar data, and evaporation modeling. Results show that covering just 0.5% of reservoir surfaces could generate approximately 36,000 MW annually-equivalent to 40% of Iran's current power capacity-while preventing 4.2 million cubic meters of water loss each year. Economic analysis estimates an average CAPEX of USD 700,000 per MW and a competitive levelized cost of electricity (USD 0.048-0.065 per kWh). Moreover, FSPV implementation could offset up to 6,725 tons of CO(2), 14 tons of SO₂, and 25 tons of NOₓ per megawatt compared with fossil-fuel generation. These findings highlight FSPV as a strategic solution to strengthen Iran's water-energy nexus and guide sustainable policy and investment decisions.