Sperra has deployed its first full-scale 3D-printed concrete gravity anchor at EDP’s floating solar test site at the Alto Rabagão reservoir in Portugal.
The company said the installation marks the first real-world demonstration of its anchoring technology and a step towards commercial deployment for floating renewable energy systems.
Sperra added the anchor was developed using 3D concrete printing to enable site-specific designs, reduce material use and simplify installation.
The pilot was carried out with EDP, Fred. Olsen 1848 and Vertico, integrating the anchor with the Tension Buoy® system at the test site.
EDP’s Alto Rabagão facility includes water depths of over 60 metres, wind speeds of up to 31 m/s and significant seasonal variation in water levels.
“This pilot is an important step toward commercial deployment,” said Mason Bell, gravity anchor lead at Sperra.
“It shows that a digitally designed, 3D-printed concrete anchor can be produced, delivered, and installed in a real project environment.”
“Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential to drive innovation,” stated Even Hjetland, principal development engineer at Fred. Olsen 1848.
“Deploying Sperra’s 3D-printed gravity anchor alongside the Tension Buoy® system allows us to validate novel anchoring concepts under extreme, year-round conditions.”