What is the SolarDuck Project?
SolarDuck is pioneering the future of renewable energy with offshore floating solar solutions. Born from Dutch-Norwegian roots, this innovative project focuses on addressing the increasing demand for sustainable energy by harnessing solar power where land availability is limited. Offshore electrification is on the rise and, with nearly 50% of the world’s population residing in coastal areas, this technology offers a breakthrough opportunity. Utilizing independently floating and interconnected triangular platforms, the project is designed to ensure that both photovoltaic (PV) systems and electrical components remain safely elevated above the waves – a unique approach to tackle the challenges posed by urban expansion and the growing pressure on land resources…
Main Benefit
The project offers numerous advantages that make it a noteworthy solution for the future of renewable energy:
- 50% of the world’s population is located in coastal areas, enabling easy access to clean, renewable energy.
- Cost-effectiveness through the deployment of commercially available off-the-shelf PV modules.
- Robust and reliable design that withstands specific wave heights and wind speeds.
- Reduced operational and maintenance costs due to quick water drainage and materials engineered for longevity.
- Hybrid solutions that integrate offshore wind and solar plants to maximize energy output.
Innovative Offshore Floating Solar Technology
The SolarDuck project has been meticulously engineered to redefine solar energy solutions. This involves independently floating platforms that are interconnected into stable, triangular floating islands. Such a configuration not only optimizes the use of space on the water, but also creates a safe structure that keeps critical systems above direct exposure to seawater. The design allows for the use of advanced PV modules while maintaining cost effectiveness and reliability. Operators appreciate that this offshore system provides power precisely where it is needed, making it a natural evolution of solar technology in an era of limited land resources…
Engineering Excellence and Durability
SolarDuck’s cutting-edge technology is characterized by elevated structures that protect solar modules from waves and dynamic loads. The unique triangular platform design, with its three rotational axes, ensures superior stability and simplified connection processes. Elevated above the sea floor, the inclined platforms promote rapid water drainage, which prevents algae growth and minimizes maintenance. The use of resilient, corrosion-resistant materials means the systems maintain their durability even in challenging marine environments, enduring severe wind loads and dynamic forces from waves while ensuring long service life.
Global Expertise and Hybrid Solutions
With an experienced in-house R&D and project engineering team based in Rotterdam and Mumbai, SolarDuck supports a variety of applications. The project targets decentralized and utility-scale energy supply, offering tailored solutions such as hybrid offshore wind and solar plants that maximize energy yields. The hybrid approach capitalizes on opportunities from governmental incentives and offshore wind tenders, while standalone offshore floating solar plants provide clean energy in regions with limited renewable alternatives like wind, tidal, and wave power. This strategic versatility underscores the project’s ability to address diverse energy challenges across coastal and offshore environments…
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Strategic Collaboration and Future Developments
SolarDuck’s ongoing journey is marked by significant milestones and continual innovation. In April 2024, the project launched its first river-based plant, serving as the initial step for testing design and assembly strategies alongside multiple types of solar modules. Building on that success, a demonstration plant in challenging conditions of the North Sea was initiated in June 2024. The technology is fully patented, certified, and insured, highlighting a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation. Moreover, SolarDuck seamlessly integrates with other advanced systems – energy storage, hydrogen production, and desalination – through collaborations with leading engineering firms and universities worldwide. This strategic network not only drives the project’s technical progress but also reinforces its global vision for affordable renewable electricity.
