Pioneering Offshore Solar: RWE and SolarDuck Launch Floating Farm in North Sea
Scheveningen, Friday, 5 July 2024.
RWE and SolarDuck have installed a groundbreaking 0.5 MWp floating solar farm off the Dutch coast. The Merganser project, featuring six interconnected platforms, aims to test offshore solar technology and gather crucial data for future large-scale deployments.
Innovative Design and Capabilities
The Merganser project is an innovative endeavor in renewable energy, featuring six interconnected floating platforms designed to withstand extreme offshore conditions. These platforms are anchored at a depth of 20 meters, approximately 12 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen in the Dutch North Sea[1]. The unique triangular-shaped platforms are engineered to float above the water, ensuring critical components remain dry and stable[1]. This design recently achieved the world’s first certification for offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems by Bureau Veritas[1].
Strategic Collaboration and Goals
The collaboration between SolarDuck and RWE combines the technological ingenuity of SolarDuck with the offshore wind expertise of RWE. This partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of OFPV technology by leveraging RWE’s extensive offshore know-how. RWE’s CEO of Offshore Wind, Sven Utermöhlen, emphasized the importance of gaining first-hand experience in challenging offshore environments through the Merganser project[2]. This pilot project is not just a test of structural and electrical designs but also a critical step towards understanding manufacturing, installation, and maintenance methodologies required for future large-scale offshore solar parks[2].
Monitoring and Data Collection
Over the next two years, the Merganser project will be remotely monitored with over 180 sensors. These sensors will collect data on structural integrity, electrical performance, and ecological impact, providing invaluable insights into the feasibility and efficiency of offshore solar technology[1]. This data will be instrumental in refining designs and operational strategies for future projects. SolarDuck’s CEO highlighted the significance of this data in advancing the development of offshore solar power technologies[3].
Future Prospects and Expansion
Looking ahead, SolarDuck plans to expand its innovations beyond the Dutch coast. The company is set to develop a pioneering 540 MW offshore wind-solar project in Italy, combining floating wind turbines with a floating solar farm, expected to be operational by 2028[1]. This ambitious project aims to harness the synergy between wind and solar energy, further pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology. Additionally, the success of the Merganser project could open up new opportunities for offshore renewable energy in regions with lower average wind speeds but abundant sunlight, such as Southeast Asia[2].