A Joint Project Between Leaders In Science And Industry Is Investigating The Environmental Challenges Of Floating Solar At Sea.
With the help of an assessment of floating solar’s effects on the offshore environment and potential solutions, the EcoMPV project will determine the difficulties associated with the technology. The newfound understanding will enable favorable impacts to be reinforced right away.
On June 28, three experimental modules at sea were fully installed. They will also demonstrate beneficial outcomes, allowing for their reinstatement in future installations.
The Contribution Of Floating Solar To The Shift To Renewable Energy
Policymakers, business, and scientists are placing more and more emphasis on offshore sites because to the increasing demand for local renewable energy production, the acceleration of the energy revolution, and land constraint.
To address the demand for renewable energy in society, offshore solar power generating is being investigated.
Although the difficulties of floating solar are still not fully understood, we must make sure that the technology is used in a manner that respects the marine environment.
Meanwhile, new options to produce solar power at sea are receiving more attention. Everywhere in the world, the compatibility of wind and solar technology has been demonstrated.
The integration of offshore floating solar installations in current and future offshore wind sites presents an opportunity to produce significant additional renewable energy production as authorities increasingly encourage the multi-use of marine space and the offshore grid infrastructure shows good potential for combined use.
The knowledge of the environmental difficulties associated with floating solar is still in its infancy, though, as is the technology.
How Will Floating Solar’s Environmental Issues Be Evaluated?
As part of the initiative, researchers from academia and business partners will collaborate to learn more about the environmental issues surrounding offshore floating photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Additionally, they will try to develop technical ways to minimize the negative effects of floating solar and maximize its positive effects.
Gaps In Knowledge In Each Of These Categories Will Be Filled:
- altered hydrodynamics, pelagic biogeochemistry, and primary production underwater;
- the creation of artificial habitat for fish and flora that are already established;
- effects on carbon sequestration and fluxes.
Additionally, suggestions for eco-designing offshore PV projects will be developed, opening the door to their environmental licensing.
“With EcoMPV, significant steps are being taken to also accurately assess the environmental challenges of floating solar panels,” said Vincent Van Quickenborne, Minister for the North Sea.