Sinopec Launches China's First Offshore Floating Solar Project

• Sinopec unveils China's first seawater floating PV project, a 7.5-MW innovation boosting coastal solar power with corrosion-resistant tech and strategic partnerships.

Sinopec has launched China's first commercial floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) project in a full seawater environment, a 7.5-MW facility developed in partnership with Shandong Province and Qingdao Municipality. The project, located in a sea-connected water area, integrates with an existing pile-based PV installation and aims to advance floating PV projects in coastal and shallow sea areas. Sinopec addressed seawater PV challenges with a corrosion-resistant design, robust anchoring, and improved maintenance accessibility.

China's cumulative installed solar power capacity exceeded 1 terawatt in May, following the addition of nearly 200 gigawatts of new solar plants in the first five months of the year, according to the National Energy Administration.

How is Sinopec advancing floating offshore PV projects in seawater environments?

• Sinopec is leveraging advanced materials and coatings to enhance the durability of PV panels against the corrosive effects of seawater.
• The company is collaborating with local research institutions to develop innovative anchoring systems that can withstand strong ocean currents and tidal forces.
  
• Sinopec is implementing real-time monitoring systems to track the performance and structural integrity of the floating PV installations.
  
• The project includes a focus on modular design, allowing for easier scalability and adaptability to different marine environments.
  
• Sinopec is exploring hybrid energy solutions by integrating floating PV with other renewable sources like offshore wind to optimize energy output.
  
• The company is conducting environmental impact assessments to ensure minimal disruption to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Sinopec is investing in workforce training programs to equip local technicians with the skills needed for the maintenance and operation of offshore PV systems.
• The project serves as a pilot for future large-scale deployments, providing valuable data and insights for the expansion of floating PV technology in other coastal regions.