Riding the Waves: SolarDuck’s Offshore Floating Solar Project, Merganser
In an ambitious stride towards innovative renewable energy solutions, Dutch-Norwegian company SolarDuck, with the support of RWE, has successfully installed the offshore floating solar project, Merganser. This 500kW pilot project, located approximately 12km off the coast of Scheveningen in the Dutch North Sea, aims to revolutionize solar power by harnessing the potential of offshore floating solar technology.
Testing the Waters: Merganser’s Groundbreaking Design
The Merganser project is a significant step forward in demonstrating the structural, mooring, and electrical designs necessary for large-scale commercial deployment of floating solar. Consisting of six interconnected platforms, the scalable concept is engineered to withstand the harshest offshore conditions, floating several meters above the water and following the waves like a carpet. This innovative design ensures that critical components remain dry, clean, and stable, maintaining the structural integrity of the semi-submersible floating platform.
Recently, SolarDuck’s design received the world’s first certification for offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems from Bureau Veritas, underscoring its pioneering approach in the renewable energy sector.
Partnership Power: RWE’s Role and Vision
RWE, a global leader in renewable energy, has provided crucial offshore expertise and technical support for the Merganser project. Sven Utermohlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, highlighted the potential of offshore floating solar: “Standalone or in combination with offshore wind farms, offshore floating solar could open up further offshore renewable energy opportunities – especially for countries with lower average wind speeds but lots of sunlight. With Merganser, we are gaining unique insights and first-hand experience in one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world.”
Collaboration and Innovation
The successful installation of Merganser is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of SolarDuck and its partners. Koen Burgers, CEO of SolarDuck, praised the collective effort: “The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar. However, we are not doing this alone. Our project partner, RWE, is a supporter of our technology and vision, in addition to other partners such as TNO, TU Delft, MARIN, and Deltares. Together with numerous supply chain partners, including Damen Shipyards, TMA, and Norsk Hydro, we have turned hard work into a positive change for the energy space.”
Monitoring and Future Insights
Over the next two years, Merganser will be monitored remotely using more than 180 sensors to track structural loads, connector and mooring loads, and electrical performance. Deltares, a Dutch independent institute for applied research, will support an extensive monitoring campaign to assess the ecological impact of OFPV.
A Bright Future for Offshore Solar
The Merganser project represents a bold step towards sustainable energy solutions, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of offshore floating solar power. By overcoming the challenges of the offshore environment, SolarDuck and its partners are paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy future. #OffshoreSolar #RenewableEnergy #SolarDuck #RWE #FloatingSolar
Credit: [Image: SolarDuck]
