RWE, SolarDuck Launch Offshore Floating Solar Pilot Project
- Experience the future of renewable energy with SolarDuck's offshore floating solar project 'Merganser' in the Dutch North Sea, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions worldwide.
SolarDuck, in collaboration with RWE, has successfully installed the offshore floating solar pilot project 'Merganser' in the Dutch North Sea, 12 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen. The project aims to test and demonstrate the structural, mooring, and electrical designs necessary for large-scale commercial deployment of offshore floating solar.
Merganser has a capacity of 0.5 megawatt peak (MWp) and consists of six interconnected platforms designed to withstand extreme offshore conditions. RWE will provide technical support to the project, which could potentially open up new offshore renewable energy opportunities, especially for countries with lower wind speeds but ample sunlight. The innovative triangular-shaped platform by SolarDuck has received certification for offshore floating solar by Bureau Veritas and is designed to float above the water, ensuring the stability and integrity of the structure.
Over the next two years, Merganser will be monitored remotely with over 180 sensors to assess structural loads, mooring loads, and electrical performance. Additionally, Deltares will conduct an extensive monitoring campaign to evaluate the ecological impact of offshore floating solar. This project represents a significant step towards harnessing renewable energy sources in challenging offshore environments.
What are the key features of the offshore floating solar pilot project 'Merganser'?
- Capacity of 0.5 megawatt peak (MWp)
- Consists of six interconnected platforms designed to withstand extreme offshore conditions
- RWE providing technical support to the project
- Triangular-shaped platform designed to float above the water for stability
- Certification for offshore floating solar by Bureau Veritas
- Monitoring with over 180 sensors to assess structural loads, mooring loads, and electrical performance
- Ecological impact evaluation conducted by Deltares
- Potential to open up new offshore renewable energy opportunities for countries with lower wind speeds but ample sunlight