EU-funded R&D project starts for 5-MW offshore floating solar system

Dutch floating solar firm SolarDuck on Monday announced the launch of R&D work as part of the Nautical SUNRISE project, the goal of which is to design, build, and showcase a 5-MW offshore floating solar system employing the company's technology.

The project, worth EUR 8.4 million (USD 9.1m) and supported with EUR 6.8 million of Horizon Europe funding, was initiated in December 2023. It will conduct research and development of offshore floating solar systems and their components, aiding what is said to be the world's largest offshore floating solar power installation.

German energy company RWE AG is providing the investment for the installation and deployment of the system, which will be part of RWE’s OranjeWind, or Hollandse Kust West VII, off the Dutch coast.

The Nautical SUNRISE consortium will start with research and testing work. A scale-up plan will also be prepared, and the project will further consider the environmental impact and sustainability of offshore floating solar.

“Not only do we have the chance to address important knowledge gaps around the design and environmental impact of offshore solar. Together with RWE and the OranjeWind consortium we can do so in full alignment and integration with a commercial offshore wind park,” said CTO DMEC Simon Stark.

The project partners include Dutch Marine Energy Centre (DMEC), SolarDuck, RWE, Blunova – a Carlo Maresca Group company, Bridon-Bekaert The Ropes Group, Deltares, Hasselt University, KU Leuven, Oxford PV, SINTEF Industry, SINTEF Ocean, The Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, INESC TEC, and WavEC Offshore Renewables.

Just several days ago it was announced that SolarDuck and an Italian duo have joined forces to develop a 540-MW hybrid floating wind-solar farm off Italy.

(EUR 1 = USD 1.081)

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