SeaVolt, a collaborative venture between Tractebel, DEME, and Jan De Nul, is gearing up to install its groundbreaking floating solar energy test platform in offshore waters. The platform's flotation system is currently situated in the Port of Ostend, along the picturesque Belgian North Sea coast, where Equans, the primary contractor, is finalizing the assembly process.
Scheduled to be towed offshore, anchored securely, and operational for at least a year starting in August, this pioneering test platform marks a significant milestone as the first installation of its kind in the Belgian North Sea. The primary objective is to gather vital data to support large-scale development of offshore solar energy. Unlike existing floating solar installations on lakes, SeaVolt has developed a unique concept specially tailored to endure the challenging conditions of rough seas.
The consortium emphasized that SeaVolt's modular design makes it particularly well-suited for integration with offshore wind farms, providing a complementary solution. This innovative technology is poised to play a pivotal role in harnessing renewable energy sources more efficiently.
The SeaVolt project is being conducted within the framework of the MPVAQUA research initiative, supported by the Blue Cluster, with additional funding from the federal government via BELSPO. Collaborating with SeaVolt are esteemed partners, including Ghent University (UGENT), who will facilitate year-round open-sea testing within the POM-West Vlaanderen's esteemed ‘Blue Accelerator offshore test zone.'
During the proof-of-concept installation, the consortium aims to gather crucial data on the impact of waves, rain, and salt sprays on various solar panels equipped with different photovoltaic (PV) configurations. Additionally, close monitoring of the effect of wave- and wind-induced inclinations on energy output will be a top priority.
Protecting the solar panels from seawater and bird droppings represents a key challenge, prompting the consortium to ascertain the necessary level of safeguarding. SeaVolt has opted to employ novel lightweight carbon fiber material, which, although promising for offshore applications, is yet to be extensively tested in harsh marine conditions, as revealed by the developers. To assess the structural integrity of this material, optical embedded fibers and sensors will be deployed, comparing the findings to numerical models and results obtained from ocean wave tank and wind tunnel tests. The data obtained through these measurements will be indispensable for subsequent financial assessments, as the floating structure and solar panels significantly impact project costs.
In addition to technical evaluations, the SeaVolt test installation will also address ecological considerations. Various materials will undergo thorough assessments to determine their suitability and ability to mitigate adverse effects on the marine environment. The outcomes of these tests will guide the selection of materials for future development.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining buoyancy by minimizing the attachment of excessive marine growth to the floater, the developers stressed the need for preventive measures. Lastly, specific tests will be conducted to explore the integration of floater systems with mussel cultivation and oyster farming, which pose unique challenges that require careful examination.
The SeaVolt consortium's ambitious venture promises to advance the field of renewable energy by unlocking the vast potential of offshore solar power generation. By addressing technical, financial, and ecological aspects, SeaVolt aims to pave the way for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions in the offshore environment.
