Ecozone Cape Verde

Spain just launched an offshore solar installation that generates clean electricity and converts seawater into fresh drinking water at the same time — two critical resources from one ocean platform.

The Canary Islands Solar Sea Platform deploys 8,000 bifacial solar panels on a 45-hectare floating structure anchored 3 kilometers off Gran Canaria's southern coast. Solar electricity powers onboard reverse osmosis desalination units that process 15,000 cubic meters of Atlantic seawater daily into drinking water quality output, while surplus electricity beyond desalination needs transmits to shore through a submarine cable. The Canary Islands receive 3,100 annual sunshine hours and face persistent freshwater scarcity — this single platform covers 40 percent of Gran Canaria's daily drinking water demand while generating 85 megawatts of clean electricity simultaneously from the same ocean footprint.

The platform's floating design uses interconnected high-density polyethylene pontoons that flex with ocean swells rather than resisting them, extending structural lifetime to 30 years in open Atlantic conditions. Solar panel efficiency improves 12 percent in the marine environment because consistent ocean breezes cool panel surfaces below the temperatures that reduce output at land-based installations.

Spain plans 12 additional offshore solar desalination platforms across the Canary and Balearic Islands by 2029, targeting complete freshwater independence for all Spanish island communities from combined solar and ocean resources.

Source: Red Electrica de Espana, Instituto Tecnologico de Canarias, Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition, 2025

Artemis II crew to splash down on Earth after historic trip around the moon 🌙 🌖 🌕

WATCH LIVE: Artemis II crew to splash down on Earth after historic trip around the moon Their dramatic grand finale fast approaching, Artemis II's astronauts aimed for a splashdown in the Pacific on Friday to close out humanity's first voyage to the moon in more than half a century.

Build consciousness

FOUNDATION PERIMETER DRAINAGE SYSTEM
This cross-sectional illustration demonstrates a specialized drainage solution designed to protect a building's foundation from water accumulation and hydrostatic pressure. By utilizing a combination of tiered excavation, permeable filtration layers, and a perforated pipe, the system effectively redirects surface runoff and groundwater away from the structure's base, preventing moisture-related damage such as basement flooding or structural erosion.

KEY COMPONENTS & FEATURES
• Perforated Drainage Pipe: Situated at the lowest point of the trench, this pipe collects groundwater that filters through the aggregate and transports it to a designated discharge point.
• Filter Fabric (Geotextile): A protective liner that separates the soil from the drainage gravel. It allows water to pass through while preventing fine sediment from clogging the pipe or the air gaps between the stones.
• River Stone Aggregate: The large, rounded stones provide high permeability, allowing water to flow rapidly toward the drain pipe while offering a decorative, finished look at the surface.
• Slope and Depth Dimensions: The diagram specifies a width of 1.2 m and a depth of 45 cm, ensuring a significant volume of water can be managed. The trench is sloped downward toward the pipe to utilize gravity for water movement.
• Foundation Interface: The system is installed directly against the concrete foundation wall, creating a "dry zone" that shields the vertical surface from constant saturation.

DESIGN SUMMARY
The image illustrates a robust French Drain or Perimeter Drain variant that balances functionality with landscape aesthetics. By replacing heavy, water-retaining soil with a deep bed of stone and a mechanical drainage outlet, the design ensures that water follows the path of least resistance away from the building. This is a critical component in civil engineering and residential construction for maintaining the long-term integrity of a structure’s foundation.