SolarDuck and RWE install floating solar pilot vessel Merganser at sea

Merganser has a capacity of 0.5 MWp and is located in the Dutch North Sea, approximately 12 km off the coast of Scheveningen. The scalable concept consists of six interconnected platforms that can withstand extreme sea conditions. The floating platforms were successfully connected to a mooring system in a water depth of 20 m. RWE will continue to provide its offshore know-how and technical support for the pilot project.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, said: “Alone or in combination with offshore wind farms, floating solar panels at sea can open up further opportunities for renewable energy at sea – especially in countries with lower average wind speeds but plenty of sunlight. With Merganser, we gain unique insights and first-hand experience in one of the world’s most challenging marine environments.”

Placing solar farms at sea requires technology that can withstand the harsh conditions of the sea. The triangular SolarDuck platform is designed to float several meters above the water, following the waves like a carpet. This keeps the structure’s critical components dry, clean and stable, and also protects the structural integrity of the semi-submersible floating structure. The structure recently received the world’s first OFPV certification from Bureau Veritas.

Koen Burgers, CEO of SolarDuck, added: “The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the commitment of the SolarDuck team to electrify the world with floating solar installations at sea. However, we do not do it alone. Our project partner RWE supports our technology and vision, in addition to other partners such as TNO, TU Delft, MARIN and Deltares. Together with many supply chain partners, including Damen Shipyards, TMA and Norsk Hydro, we have turned hard work into a positive change in the energy sector.”

Over the next two years, Merganser will be monitored remotely by more than 180 sensors installed to monitor structural loads, joint and mooring loads, and electrical performance, among other important performance criteria. In addition, Deltares, a Dutch independent applied research institute, will support an extensive monitoring campaign of OFPV’s environmental impact.

For more news and technical articles on the global renewable energy industry, pick up the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.

Energy Global Summer 2024 Issue

The Summer 2024 issue of Energy Global begins with a guest commentary from Terrawatt on streamlining Italy’s permitting process, then moves on to Frost & Sullivan’s regional report on the Asia-Pacific energy landscape. This issue covers key topics such as wind vessels, offshore wind turbine foundations, weather analysis, solar panel maintenance, and more!

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/solar/04072024/solarduck-and-rwe-install-offshore-floating-solar-pilot-merganser/