Open ocean offshore floating solar technology gets key tick of approval

Dutch offshore solar company Oceans of Energy has received an initial certification tick of approval for its high wave offshore solar farm technology.

In an important milestone for its technology, Oceans of Energy’s floating offshore solar system received an ‘Approval in Principle’ from Bureau Veritas, a world leading testing, inspection, and certification company.

Oceans of Energy’s Offshore Solar Farm system is the world’s first such technology to be proven in high wave conditions. A 0.5MW demonstration system has been operating in the often-tumultuous North Sea since 2019, using lightweight structures resting directly on the water’s surface for support.

Traditional offshore solar farm technologies use heavy structures that float above the sea level, but Oceans of Energy’s system uses the sea surface directly as a support, describing it as “like a waterlily resting on the water surface.”

Importantly, Oceans of Energy’s offshore solar system uses an innovative combination of rigid and flexible structures that allows the whole structure to ride on the waves, making it more suitable for open ocean conditions.

Now entering its fourth year of successful operation in high waves, the floating solar system has withstood waves up to 9.9 metres high. In closed testing, the system has also been successfully tested to withstand 13-metre-high waves.

“Oceans of Energy is very proud to receive this Approval in Principle as we realize it is a testimony of sound engineering, a feasible and sound concept choice and a recognition as a leading technology with a promising future,” said Allard van Hoeken, founder and CEO of Oceans of Energy.

“It is of great reassurance to our stakeholders that the design of the floating farm and mooring system have been reviewed and approved by Bureau Veritas.”

This Approval in Principle – basically a certification of pre-production technology against current rules and regulations – includes all aspects and products needed for Oceans of Energy’s Offshore Solar Farm system, including the design base, floaters, solar panel mounting, scale model testing reports, and mooring system design.

“We have extensive experience in the marine and offshore market that helps us to provide relevant and efficient support to pioneers such as Oceans of Energy,” said Laurent Leblanc, senior vice president technical & operations at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.

“Our mission of ‘shaping a better maritime world’ is all about enabling these innovative solutions that support society’s new demands and aspirations.

“We would like to congratulate Oceans of Energy for this AiP and we look forward to collaborating on the next steps of their venture.”