Maltese scientists design offshore virtual power plant integrating PV, wind, storage
The proposed virtual power plant (VPP) integrates a platform-to-ship (P2S) setup to electrify anchored and bunkering ships, while also providing surplus electricity to the country’s grid. The system was designed to operate through a 200 MW floating wind farm and a 300 MW floating PV plant, with battery and compressed air systmes being used for energy storage.
US reservoirs could host up to 1,042 GW of floating solar
Federally controlled reservoirs could generate 861 GW to 1,042 GW of floating solar power across the United States, according to a new study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
India seeks developers for floating solar projects at 35 dams and reservoirs
Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has started accepting expressions of interest (EOI) from developers to set up floating solar projects on a build-own-operate basis in India.
Scientists develop thermal model for floating solar with 15.45% efficiency
Scientists have developed a multi-physics thermal model for panels with a natural convection cooling loop and tested it against experimental data. They have also experimented with varying the coolant channel thickness and different coolants. The highest measured electrical efficiency reached 15.45%.
Gibraltar opens tender for rooftop solar arrays
The Gibraltar government is seeking developers to install rooftop solar systems at selected sites across the British Overseas Territory. It will also consider proposals for solar canopies and floating solar as part of the tender. The deadline for expressions of interest is Jan. 24, 2025.
Testing rigid connectors in floating photovoltaics
New research from China shows that using rigid connectors instead of polyester ropes in floating photovoltaic arrays may help reduce the relative motion of floats and simplify the layout of the connection system.
Combining floating PV with compressed air energy storage
Researchers from Egypt and the UK developed a new floating PV system concept that utilizes compressed air for energy storage. The system has a roundtrip efficiency of 34.1% and an exergy efficiency of 41%.
Shizen Energy, Smfl Mirai Partners buy 18.6 MW floating solar portfolio in Japan
Shizen Energy and Smfl Mirai Partners have jointly acquired energy company Mizuta Koichi from France’s Ciel & Terre, along with its portfolio of twelve floating solar assets located across Japan.
Mibet launches 51 KW offshore PV demonstrator
Mibet, a Chinese PV mounting system supplier, says it has started operating a 51 kW offshore PV pilot project in Xiamen, southeastern China. The 563.286 sqm system, which includes 112 panels, accommodates framed and double-glass PV modules with 60 and 72 cells.
Floating PV system designed for offshore waters can withstand waves up to 4 m
A Chinese research team has developed a floating PV system that purportedly offers high stability and superior seakeeping performance. It features a series of floating pontoons for buoyancy, coupled with a truss-frame support structure for solar panels.
