Belgian partners to test SeaVolt floating solar platform offshore

SeaVolt, an offshore floating solar technology developer, is preparing for a test deployment in the Belgian North Sea, it was announced today.

Unveiled earlier this year, SeaVolt is a partnership between three Belgian companies, marine contractors DEME and Jan De Nul, and engineering firm Tractebel.

The test floating system is currently located in the port of Ostend and is in the process of finalising its assembly. Then, it will be towed and anchored offshore for a year-long test period starting in August.

The project will collect data on the impact of waves, rain and salt sprays, as well as the impact of varying inclinations on the energy output. It will seek to determine the level of protection needed to shield the solar panels from seawater and bird droppings and will also test the use of lightweight carbon fiber material.

The next step for SeaVolt will be a large-scale demonstration project within an offshore wind farm.

Jan De Nul Group chief executive Julie De Nul said that the floating solar test platform will serve as a laboratory to gain knowledge and advance technological development. “We believe SeaVolt has the potential to play a crucial role in optimising the use of space on the sea by complementing offshore wind farms,” Julie De Nul added.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!