Test installation with solar panels for Ostend this summer

The technology, called Seavolt, can withstand harsh conditions at sea, according to the partners. The addition of floating solar panels to existing and future offshore wind farms presents an opportunity to add large volumes of additional renewable energy. “The test installation will be located off the coast of Ostend, not far out to sea,” explains Jan De Nul’s spokeswoman.

“A concept for a floating marine system was developed together with an initial study of the effects on the marine ecosystem, the integration of aquaculture and a financial assessment,” the companies say. “After research in the lab, the partners are currently developing a test installation”.

The interest in offshore solar parks is partly due to the scarcity of suitable land on land and the turnaround in energy production, say the initiators.

The test installation will be ready this summer.