Belgian partners Jan De Nul, Tractebel, and DEME have launched Seavolt (pictured), a new offshore floating photovoltaic (PV) technology.
This technology is a result of joint research and development, combining the expertise of solar, environmental and offshore experts, the trio said.
They added that Seavolt technology (patent pending) can withstand harsh offshore conditions while creating large surfaces that are protected from the waves.
The modular design allows for easy adaptation to different sites and demands, while benefits include local renewable energy production and the possibility to install the panels in offshore windfarms (where local authorities permit multi-use concessions), according to the developers.
Another advantage is the addition of large volumes of renewable energy capacity in a relatively short time, they added.
The partners, together with Ghent University, started the VLAIO-funded research project MPVAQUA (Marine PV Aquaculture) within the frame of Blue Cluster four years ago.
A marine floater concept was developed together with initial research on effects on the marine ecosystem, integration of aquaculture, and a financial assessment.
Following laboratory testing, the partners are currently developing an offshore test installation which will be launched off the Belgian coast in summer 2023.
Furthermore, in collaboration with RBINS, parallel tracks focusing on the ecosystem, the environment and cost effectiveness are being launched with the support of the Energy Transition Fund and the Federal Relaunch Fund.
Philippe Hutse, offshore director at Jan De Nul Group said: “We are thrilled to launch the Seavolt technology, which represents the culmination of years of hard work and innovation in offshore PV technology together with our partners.
“Seavolt is a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that can be deployed in even the harshest offshore conditions.
“As the offshore wind industry continues to grow, we believe that it has the potential to play a crucial role in optimizing the use of space on the sea by complementing offshore wind farms.
“We are excited to see how Seavolt will shape the future of renewable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Tractebel chief executive Philippe Van Troeye said: “In the same way that we have seen wind technology moving from land to the sea, we are seeing the extension of the whole energy system towards offshore locations.
“Along with offshore green fuel production, offshore energy islands, interconnectors and potential solutions for energy storage, we believe offshore floating PV has an important role to play in the acceleration of the energy transition.
“While this technology is still in its infancy, we are convinced that with such strong partners on board we are giving Seavolt all possible chances to succeed.”
Luc Vandenbulcke, chief executive of DEME Group added: “With our focus on working towards a sustainable planet, DEME is again showing its pioneering spirit.
“By working closely with like-minded partners, we have developed Seavolt – a new renewable energy solution which has great potential to accelerate the clean energy transition.
“DEME has decades of knowledge about what it means to operate in an offshore environment, and we are already the leading contractor in the offshore wind sector.
“We believe combining solar and wind energy offshore provides fantastic opportunities for the future.”