Off the charming southern coast of Italy, a new kind of energy farm is taking shape upon the waves. The bountiful Ionian Sea is about to become home to a pioneering 540-megawatt (MW) project that merges the harvest of solar and wind power in one expansive offshore site.
A Tri-National Collaboration
The game-changing Corigliano project is nestled in the embracing Gulf of Taranto, near the picturesque Calabrian coastlines of Corigliano-Rossano. This venture is not solely an Italian affair. It’s an international alliance with Dutch-Norwegian offshore specialists SolarDuck, the visionary Italian investment fund Arrow Capital, and Italian project developers, New Developments, steering the ship.
Introducing SolarDuck: Innovators of Robust Solar Platforms
Born from the naval design prowess of Damen Shipyards, SolarDuck brings its maritime heritage to bear on the renewable energy front. Their solution is a triumph of engineering: robust, elevated solar platforms crafted from the same robust offshore-grade aluminum favored by seafaring vessels. Perched roughly 10 feet (3 meters) above the salty brine, these platforms stand resolute against the tempests, all the while minimizing the dreaded salt buildup that plagues their less-elevated counterparts.
Modularity Meets Accessibility
Modularity is the cornerstone of SolarDuck’s platform design—triangular units link like the pieces of an elaborate puzzle to form grander arrays. Not just robust and scalable, these platforms prioritize operational safety – incorporating anti-slip walkways and protective fencing to ensure maintenance can be executed smoothly and safely.
Combining Forces: Wind Meets Sun in Spectacular Fashion
Uniting under the banner of renewable energy, the farm will boast 420 MW of offshore wind capacity, with an imposing armada of 28 wind turbines punctuating the horizon. Complementing this formidable wind power is a 120 MW suite of floating solar panels. The details on the wind turbine development remain cloaked in anticipation, with further information forthcoming as we reach out to SolarDuck for the exciting particulars.
A Future Marked by Sustainable Power
With plans afloat for the Corigliano hybrid floating project to be operational by 2028, the future seems brighter and greener for renewable energy in Italy. But the ambitions of SolarDuck do not rest solely upon Italian seas. Their vision extends across borders with a 5 MW pilot in the North Sea, a stone’s throw from The Hague, and the imminent creation of Japan’s first offshore floating solar farm – all backed by a hefty €15 million funding secured in December.
It’s clear that as we carve the path towards a sustainable future, innovation won’t be anchored to one locality. With each wave of technological advancement, companies like SolarDuck are setting sail to harness the power of the sun and wind, wherever the seas may take them.
