New floating PV mounting structure from Austria
The floater consists of a structure made of HDPE plastic which is claimed to withstand waves of up to 3m and currents of up to 2m/s. According to the manufacturer — Austrian tech company SolOcean — the floating structure can be used for either onshore or offshore projects.
Ivory Coast launches tender for 20 MW floating solar array
The tender was launched by local utility Cote d’Ivoire Energies. The 20 MW will be located on a water reservoir at the Kossou dam, in the center of Ivory Coast.
Thai utility EGAT launches tender for hybrid project combining hydro, floating PV and storage
The Ubol Ratana Dam Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Project will have a capacity of 24 MW and will be located the company’s Ubol Ratana Dam in Khok Sung, Ubolratana District.
Belectric builds another floating solar park in Israel
The project is the fourth floating solar array that Belectric develops and builds in Israel.
Czechia’s first floating photovoltaic plant
Operated by Czech utility CEZ Group, the pilot solar plant will be located at different heights during the charge and recharge cycles of a pumped-hydro plant and the difference in height may reach up to nine meters.
Floating PV could reach 4.8 GW globally by 2026
Global Industry Analysts has predicted the rapid rise of floatovoltaics, a market that is expected to serve areas with land-use concerns.
Utility scale ocean battery, a bedfellow for floating PV
A new underwater battery storage technology is coming from Netherlands-based Ocean Grazer to address the issue of offshore long-duration storage. The company’s Ocean Battery is touted as innovative yet simple, based on existing technology, and capable of enhancing marine life along the way.
Solar-plus-storage for aquaculture aeration
Recent research from Thailand has shown that solar-plus-storage on floating platforms could be the cheapest option to power energy-intensive aeration systems in aquaculture projects. The battery accounts for around 54% of the capital costs, which is why system sizing would be key for economic viability.
New tech to reduce mechanical stress in floating PV arrays
French start-up HelioRec has developed a new floater that can contain water to add more weight and increase its stability on the water. According to its creators, the new product can be 3.5 times more stable than conventional blow-molded floaters.
Mozambique’s first floating solar project
The floating array is planned for a water reservoir in Chicamba, in Manica province. Consultants are now being sought for the feasibility studies.
