Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 15:10 .

Offshore Solar Projects in the Netherlands Show Promise, Await Certification Standards for Wider Adoption

The discussion centers around the commercial feasibility and development of offshore solar technology compared to inland floating solar systems. Dr. Benjamin Lehner highlights that the first commercial offshore solar projects are underway in the Netherlands, with installations by Ocean of Energy (0.5 MW), Solar Duck and RWE (5 MW), and a newly announced 50 MW project. These developments show promising viability, particularly in harsh environments like those found in the Middle East. Jasper Lemmens discusses balancing environmental conditions between inland waters and offshore locations for certification purposes. Inland bodies experience lower wave heights compared to oceans, making it necessary to adapt standards accordingly. Offshore standards need rigorous application due to extreme conditions, though current projects still lack comprehensive certification schemes similar to wind farms. An examination of global markets reveals Asia's lead driven by land scarcity and cost-focused utility projects, contrasting Europe’s mature market with more focus on operational sustainability over long periods. Regulatory frameworks also play a critical role; for instance, Europe's structured approach contrasts sharply with complex U.S regulations influenced by federalism and low population density. Finally, Dr. Anna Heimsath addresses ongoing research into energy yield assessments for floating photovoltaics (FPV). More accurate simulations are crucial as current methods present varying results; thus enhancing precision is essential for improving bankability across these emerging technologies.

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Talk of session: Floating Solar Power: Preparing for the Next Growth Level Onshore & Offshore

Floating photovoltaics (FPV) is an established alternative PV power plant application for regions with space constraints and for bodies of water that need protection from pollution and evaporation. The total FPV onshore deployment is expected to reach a double-digit GW output soon. That is why the industry is turning its attention to the vast potential of offshore installations. Despite considerable technical progress, much still remains to be done - from standardization, cost reduction, to environmental assessments and social acceptance - before FPV becomes widely accepted.

The session will discuss:

• Market & technology developments
• On and offshore case studies
• Biodiversity research results
• Yield and cost comparison FPV vs. traditional PV power plants

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Michele Tagliapietra
Head of Product Management Floating-PV
BayWa r.e.
Belgium

To Talk

FPV Market Overview & Technology Update

Speaker

Stanislas Merlet
Senior Consultant Solar PV
Multiconsult
Norway

To Talk

Best Practice & Standards

Speaker

Jasper Lemmens
Senior Consultant
DNV Netherlands B.V.
The Netherlands

To Talk

Yield, Performance & Cost Analysis of FPV Projects

Speaker

Dr. Anna Heimsath
Head of Department "Analysis PV Modules and Power Plants"
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

To Talk

Floating Solar & Its Environmental Impacts: New Research and Results From Operational Projects

Speaker

Michele Tagliapietra
Head of Product Management Floating-PV
BayWa r.e.
Belgium

To Talk

What Offshore Floating Solar Can Learn From Offshore Wind

Speaker

Dr. Benjamin Lehner
CEO
Dutch Marine Energy Centre
The Netherlands

To Talk