This study quantifies the potential energy generation from floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) on over 1 million water bodies worldwide, including both natural and artificial lakes and reservoirs. Using the Global Solar Energy Estimator (GSEE) tool, the researchers simulated daily electricity outputs for each water body, considering a 10% surface coverage of FPVs. The total theoretical annual power output was estimated to be 14,906 TWh, with significant spatial variations influenced by factors such as solar irradiance, water body size, and climatic conditions. The analysis suggests that FPVs could contribute a considerable fraction (on average, 16%) of the electricity demand in some countries, playing a crucial role in decarbonizing national economies. Additionally, FPVs have the potential to reduce water scarcity by mitigating evaporative losses and could help manage water quality by reducing algal blooms. However, the deployment of FPVs must consider ecological impacts and trade-offs, especially in natural lakes, and robust regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure sustainable development.This study quantifies the potential energy generation from floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) on over 1 million water bodies worldwide, including both natural and artificial lakes and reservoirs. Using the Global Solar Energy Estimator (GSEE) tool, the researchers simulated daily electricity outputs for each water body, considering a 10% surface coverage of FPVs. The total theoretical annual power output was estimated to be 14,906 TWh, with significant spatial variations influenced by factors such as solar irradiance, water body size, and climatic conditions. The analysis suggests that FPVs could contribute a considerable fraction (on average, 16%) of the electricity demand in some countries, playing a crucial role in decarbonizing national economies. Additionally, FPVs have the potential to reduce water scarcity by mitigating evaporative losses and could help manage water quality by reducing algal blooms. However, the deployment of FPVs must consider ecological impacts and trade-offs, especially in natural lakes, and robust regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure sustainable development.