RWE eyes offshore wind boost from North Sea floating solar debut
Floating solar could be combined with offshore wind projects in countries with lower average windspeeds but lots of sun, says RWE chief
A new floating solar pilot project off the Dutch coast will help pave the way for future link-ups with offshore wind farms, unlocking new possibilities for renewable energy, say co-developers RWE and SolarDuck.
German power giant RWE worked with Dutch-Norwegian floating PV pioneer SolarDuck to install the 0.5MW Merganser floating solar pilot at a test site 12 kilometres from The Hague.
The scalable concept consists of six interconnected platforms sitting at a water depth of 20 metres and connected to a mooring system that the developers say can withstand even extreme offshore conditions.
The pilot project aims to test structural, mooring and electrical designs and gain knowledge about manufacturing, assembly and maintenance for large-scale commercial deployments.
“Standalone or also in combination with offshore wind farms, offshore floating solar could open up further offshore renewable energy opportunities,” said Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind – “especially for countries with lower average wind speeds but lots of sunlight.”
The pilot project is a "pivotal opportunity for gaining critical, unique insights and first-hand experience" in what he said is "one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world.”
SolarDuck´s triangular-shaped platform is designed to float several meters above the water, following the waves like a carpet.
This is aimed at keeping critical components dry, clean and stable, as well as securing the structural integrity of the semi-submersible floating structure. The design recently received the world’s first certification for offshore floating solar by classification society Bureau Veritas.
In the next two years, the developers will through Merganser’s more than 180 sensors monitor structural loads and electrical performance, among other performance criteria.
“The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar,” said SolarDuck CEO Koen Burgers.
With numerous supply chain partners, he said the start-up has “turned hard work into a positive change for the energy space.”