The concept of floating solar has taken a new dimension as we steer it towards the uncharted waters of the ocean. Unlike the calmer waters of reservoirs where solar panels are already in use, the open sea demands innovative engineering. Moss Maritime is at the forefront, venturing where others haven’t by attempting to integrate solar arrays with offshore wind farms—a fusion of technologies that could revolutionize renewable energy production.
Offshore Challenges Turn into Engineering Milestones
As part of Saipem, a global leader in offshore oil drilling, Moss Maritime brings its expertise to renewable energy with an exciting proposition. This project’s journey traces back to a collaboration between Saipem and Equinor in 2018-2019 to create a robust, sea-worthy floating solar platform. The modular design aims at delivering a product that can stand the harsh conditions at sea while being simple to manufacture and install. An ambitious 1-megawatt pilot originally slated for 2020 has been recalibrated to a 0.5-megawatt trial in 2023, reflecting the project’s adaptive, learning-driven approach.
SINTEF Ocean, a renowned maritime research institution, was tasked with conducting groundbreaking tests for the venture. These tests were pioneering, not just for SINTEF, given the 64-module platform scale, but also in the broader context of floating solar research typically associated with placid inland waters.
“Dynamic stresses caused by waves, wind, and currents” are a significant concern, declares SINTEF’s Senior Research Scientist Nuno Fonseca while emphasizing the need for cost-competitive energy generation from such structures.
Leap Forward with DNV’s Endorsement of the XolarSurf Concept
During the testing phase, the viability of deploying floating solar arrays “far out at sea” became apparent, raising the prospect of coupling them with offshore wind farms. In a recent breakthrough, DNV—a noted risk management entity—endorsed Moss Maritime’s XolarSurf concept. This acknowledgment follows the standards used in offshore wind, highlighting the overlapping innovations between wind and solar technologies.
DNV’s “Statement of Conformity” signifies more than just an accreditation; it beckons future strides in floating solar development, hinting at possibilities for augmenting energy generation close to coasts without resorting to land use.
A Synergistic Future with Solar and Wind
With DNV’s blessing, Moss Maritime is eyeing a prototype deployment of XolarSurf soon. The potential integration with offshore wind farms is tantalizing, suggesting a new era where combining renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and even aquaculture can optimize offshore development, sharing infrastructure, and reducing costs.
Moss Maritime envisions a landscape where solar co-location with wind enhances the energy yield per area. Minge Thøgersen, VP of Engineering at Moss, considers floating solar power to be a serious contender in the renewable market due to its simpler and more affordable engineering and construction processes, particularly in comparison to floating wind turbines.
Inland Floating Solar: Quietly Expanding
As the waves of innovation surge forward, inland floating solar arrays are finding their places on ponds and reservoirs across the globe. These systems capitalize on underutilized water bodies to produce energy without the expense of land space. In the U.S., states like New Jersey, Michigan, and North Carolina are catching up with global trends in the floating solar markets.
An example from Orange County, Florida, highlights a floating solar array reducing energy costs by 25% at a water treatment facility. Such advancements suggest that the allure of floating solar is not just a fleeting trend but an emerging force in the quest for sustainable electricity production.
Market research from Coherent Market Insight predicts a steep growth trajectory for the global floating solar market, with environmental consciousness and government initiatives playing pivotal roles. Continuous improvements in solar technology, including new tracking technologies for optimal light exposure, are major contributors to the market’s development.
As the floating solar narrative unfolds, the Moss Maritime saga stands as a beacon of innovation, setting the course for a cleaner and more resourceful energy landscape.
