EN 
PT_BR 
Have you ever imagined a floating solar plant withstanding waves of up to 10 meters? This is the aim of two companies in Europe, who aim to explore how the technology works in challenging sea conditions.
A consortium including Ocean Sun and Fred Olsen Renewables will develop a 250 kWp plant on the coast of Gran Canaria in Spain. According to the companies, the location was chosen because the region is the sunniest part of Europe.
The companies clarify that the technology is based on a thin polymer membrane used to assemble photovoltaic modules. To date, they have invested around €4 million.
The project, which begins in January 2021, lasts 30 months and, after installation, plans for commercialization and large-scale deployments will be analyzed. “The plant will give the company valuable insights for future commercial floating farms,” said Rolf Johansen, director of floating solar at Fred Olsen Renewables.
“The state of the sea off Gran Canaria represents a radical change for the area of application of commercial floating solar technologies today. The successful operation of the special membrane solution in these waters will pave the way for the abundant supply of affordable renewable energy in the lower latitudes,” commented Børge Bjørneklett, CEO and founder of Ocean Sun.
The potential for developing floating power plants in extreme weather conditions will also be explored through a pilot project in Norway. The photovoltaic plant, which will be 3 meters above the sea surface, should be installed by the end of this year.
