Offshore floating solar project gets underway

A consortium of Belgian tech and energy firms has begun a €2-million European project to develop offshore floating solar technology.

The Tractebel-led consortium, which also includes Jan De Nul, DEME, Soltech and Ghent University, was set up in the framework of the Flemish Blue Cluster to develop concepts and perform laboratory and field testing as part of first steps towards commercialising marine-based photovoltaic arrays.

Combined in the same location with aquaculture and offshore wind power, the technology allows for a more efficient use of available space, according to the partners.

One of the challenges the project will address is adapting solar panels to operate in a rough, high-wave offshore environment and make them resistant to corrosive impacts of salt water.

The project will also investigate a cost-competitive concept for the floating structure design for hosting PV arrays.

In addition, the consortium will explore how floating offshore solar systems can have minimal impact on ocean ecosystems.

While Tractebel has skillsets in PV technology and offshore engineering, DEME and Jan De Nul Group will bring to the project experience in marine operations, as both companies have been involved in European offshore wind farm projects and installations.

Tienen-based Soltech specialises in customised solar PV systems and Ghent University has programmes in offshore engineering, aquaculture and ecosystem research.

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