Dutch startup SolarDuck on brink of launching North Sea's pioneering floating solar farm
SolarDuck nears completion of its Merganser floating solar plant, set to bolster the Netherlands’ renewable energy capacity and marine solar innovation.
Innovating on the Open Sea
The Dutch renewable energy startup SolarDuck is on the verge of launching a significant innovation in the marine solar power space. The company’s Merganser project, an offshore floating solar plant located in the North Sea, is nearing the final stages of completion. As it stands, the installation is ready to begin shortly. This pioneering technology involves six triangular platforms with a combined capacity of 520 kWp. Designed to withstand the challenging marine environment, the plant is a testament to SolarDuck’s commitment to advancing renewable energy sources and contributing to the Netherlands’ energy transition goals[1].
A Testament to Collaboration
This ambitious project stands as a collaborative effort involving numerous partners. SolarDuck has worked alongside RWE, TNO, Deltares, Delft University of Technology, MARIN, Norsk Hydro, and DMEC to bring the Merganser project to fruition. Not only does the project aim to generate clean energy, but it will also serve as an operational laboratory, collecting data on platform motions, energy output, and marine ecosystem impacts[1]. The first two platforms of the Merganser project were launched in Amsterdam in February 2024, with floaters manufactured in Poland, marking the beginning of a new chapter in marine-based renewable energy[1][2].
SolarDuck’s Ambitious Vision
SolarDuck’s CEO, Koen Burgers, outlined the company’s vision to reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million tons by 2030 through their marine solar energy systems. This vision is rapidly turning into reality as the company discusses the deployment of 1 gigawattpiek of solar panels within this decade[2]. In just a few years, SolarDuck has grown from a small team of six to an international team of 46, showcasing their rapid expansion and the scaling of their proprietary technology. In April 2024, SolarDuck became the first to receive a full prototype certification for their offshore solar system from the Bureau Veritas Group, a milestone that underscores their innovative lead in the industry[2].
The Path Ahead for Marine Solar
The Merganser project is not just a local endeavor but part of a global movement towards utilizing oceans for solar energy production. With platforms capable of withstanding waves up to ten meters high, SolarDuck’s technology represents a robust solution that could pave the way for widespread adoption of offshore solar farms. This development comes at a time when the industry is seeing increased interest in marine spaces for renewable energy infrastructure, driven by the availability of space and the potential for efficient power generation[3]. SolarDuck’s efforts are a significant step towards realizing this potential, with their Merganser plant soon to be tested against one of the most tumultuous seas in the world, off the coast of Scheveningen[2].