This study quantifies the global potential of floating solar photovoltaics (FPVs) on over 1 million water bodies worldwide, estimating a total annual power output of 14,906 TWh with a 10% surface area coverage. FPVs could contribute up to 16% of electricity demand in some countries, playing a significant role in decarbonizing national economies. The analysis considers factors such as water body size, solar irradiance, and climate conditions, revealing that FPVs could meet a considerable proportion of current and future energy demands at local to regional scales. However, the study also highlights constraints such as proximity to population centers, protected areas, ice cover duration, and water body drying, which limit the feasibility of FPV deployment. The study finds that FPVs could reduce water evaporation, helping to alleviate water scarcity, and may also mitigate algal blooms by reducing light availability and altering water circulation. Despite these benefits, the study acknowledges potential environmental impacts on freshwater ecosystems, including changes in water temperature, vertical mixing, and biogeochemical cycles. The study emphasizes the need for careful consideration of ecological impacts and trade-offs when deploying FPVs, advocating for comprehensive environmental assessments and adherence to regulatory frameworks. The research also highlights the importance of integrating technical, economic, environmental, and social factors into decision-making processes to ensure sustainable FPV deployment. The study provides data on FPV potential, electricity demand, and carbon intensity, suggesting that FPVs could reduce CO₂ emissions globally, with significant reductions in countries like China and the United States. However, the study notes that in some countries with low carbon intensity electricity, FPVs may not contribute to reducing emissions. The study concludes that FPVs have the potential to contribute to decarbonization and water resource management, but their deployment must be carefully managed to minimize environmental impacts.This study quantifies the global potential of floating solar photovoltaics (FPVs) on over 1 million water bodies worldwide, estimating a total annual power output of 14,906 TWh with a 10% surface area coverage. FPVs could contribute up to 16% of electricity demand in some countries, playing a significant role in decarbonizing national economies. The analysis considers factors such as water body size, solar irradiance, and climate conditions, revealing that FPVs could meet a considerable proportion of current and future energy demands at local to regional scales. However, the study also highlights constraints such as proximity to population centers, protected areas, ice cover duration, and water body drying, which limit the feasibility of FPV deployment. The study finds that FPVs could reduce water evaporation, helping to alleviate water scarcity, and may also mitigate algal blooms by reducing light availability and altering water circulation. Despite these benefits, the study acknowledges potential environmental impacts on freshwater ecosystems, including changes in water temperature, vertical mixing, and biogeochemical cycles. The study emphasizes the need for careful consideration of ecological impacts and trade-offs when deploying FPVs, advocating for comprehensive environmental assessments and adherence to regulatory frameworks. The research also highlights the importance of integrating technical, economic, environmental, and social factors into decision-making processes to ensure sustainable FPV deployment. The study provides data on FPV potential, electricity demand, and carbon intensity, suggesting that FPVs could reduce CO₂ emissions globally, with significant reductions in countries like China and the United States. However, the study notes that in some countries with low carbon intensity electricity, FPVs may not contribute to reducing emissions. The study concludes that FPVs have the potential to contribute to decarbonization and water resource management, but their deployment must be carefully managed to minimize environmental impacts.