RWE and SolarDuck launch pioneering offshore floating solar project in North Sea

In an innovative leap towards sustainable energy, RWE has partnered with Dutch-Norwegian company SolarDuck to launch the offshore floating solar (OFPV) project named Merganser. Situated approximately 12 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen in the Dutch North Sea, this pilot project is a critical step in advancing the capabilities and understanding of OFPV technologies.

Merganser boasts a capacity of 0.5 megawatt peak (MWp) and features a novel design comprising six interconnected platforms capable of enduring the harsh offshore environment. The installation process highlighted the effective integration of the platforms with a mooring system in a water depth of 20 meters, showcasing a robust framework supported by RWE’s extensive offshore expertise.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, emphasizes the strategic significance of combining OFPV with offshore wind farms, especially for regions with abundant sunlight but lower wind speeds. He stated, “With Merganser, we are gaining unique insights and first-hand experience in one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world.”

The structural design of SolarDuck’s platforms is particularly noteworthy. These triangular-shaped units are engineered to float several meters above the water, adapting dynamically to wave movements, which protects critical components from marine conditions and ensures stability and integrity. This design recently earned the distinction of receiving the world’s first certification for OFPV by Bureau Veritas.

Koen Burgers, CEO of SolarDuck, praised the collaborative effort behind Merganser’s success, highlighting the collective input from project partners like TNO, TU Delft, MARIN, and Deltares, and industrial contributions from Damen Shipyards, TMA, and Norsk Hydro. Burgers expressed pride in his team’s dedication, stating, “The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar.”

The project will undergo extensive monitoring over the next two years through more than 180 sensors designed to assess structural and electrical performance, among other parameters. Additionally, Deltares, a renowned Dutch institute for applied research, will lead an extensive ecological impact study, ensuring that the project advances with minimal environmental disruption.

This collaboration between RWE and SolarDuck sets a benchmark for integrating advanced solar technology with traditional offshore energy systems, potentially revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape. The synergy between RWE’s leadership in offshore wind and SolarDuck’s innovative solar technology paves the way for broader adoption and optimization of OFPV systems globally.