The Merganser, a 0.5 MWp offshore floating solar pilot project, has been successfully deployed at the North Sea Farmers’ offshore test site in the Dutch North Sea. Its upcoming phases will involve technical and environmental monitoring to further evaluate the technology.
Offshore Floating Solar: A Technological Marvel
The successful installation of Merganser, a 0.5 megawatt peak (MWp) offshore floating solar pilot, marks a major milestone in renewable energy. Spearheaded by the Dutch-Norwegian company SolarDuck and supported by energy giant RWE, the project is located at the North Sea Farmers test site, about 12 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen in the Dutch North Sea.
Merganser was designed to test and demonstrate the technical aspects of offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems, a significant step toward their large-scale commercial deployment. The installation comprises six interconnected platforms built to endure the harsh conditions of the open sea—a critical requirement for the feasibility of such offshore projects.
Offshore floating solar is a groundbreaking approach to renewable energy, particularly suited for countries with ample sunlight but lower wind speeds. By utilizing the ocean’s surface, these systems can boost solar energy production without occupying land. Merganser’s unique triangular platform floats above the water, riding the waves to keep its components dry and stable, ensuring both structural integrity and operational efficiency. This innovative design has earned the first-ever certification for an offshore floating solar installation from Bureau Veritas, highlighting its reliability and potential.
Collaborative Effort and Expertise
RWE’s extensive experience in offshore wind energy has been instrumental in the development and deployment of the Merganser project. Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Standalone or in combination with offshore wind farms, offshore floating solar could open up further offshore renewable energy opportunities – especially for countries with lower average wind speeds but lots of sunlight. With Merganser, we are gaining unique insights and first-hand experience in one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world.”
SolarDuck’s CEO, Koen Burgers, highlighted the collective effort behind the project: “The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar. However, we are not doing this alone. Our project partner, RWE, is a supporter of our technology and vision, in addition to other partners such as TNO, TU Delft, MARIN, and Deltares. Together with numerous supply chain partners, including Damen Shipyards, TMA, and Norsk Hydro, we have turned hard work into a positive change for the energy space.”
The next phase of the Merganser project involves rigorous technical and environmental monitoring. Equipped with over 180 sensors, the pilot will be remotely observed to gather data on structural loads, connector and mooring stresses, and electrical performance. This comprehensive monitoring system will yield valuable insights into the operation and resilience of OFPV systems under real-world conditions.
Additionally, Deltares, a Dutch independent research institute, will lead an extensive campaign to assess the ecological impact of OFPV. Understanding how these systems interact with marine ecosystems is crucial for their sustainable integration into the global energy mix.
A Vision for the Future
The successful deployment of Merganser is more than a technical achievement; it represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. The combination of RWE’s market leadership in offshore wind and SolarDuck’s innovative technology forms a powerful alliance poised to accelerate the development of offshore floating solar.
Image: Collected
Over the coming years, the data gathered from Merganser will be invaluable for refining the design and implementation of OFPV systems, paving the way for larger, more efficient solar farms at sea. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and energy security, projects like Merganser offer a glimpse into a future where renewable energy is abundant, reliable, and sustainable, providing the crucial data needed to advance the commercialization of this promising technology.
