Canopy Power and Ocean Sun team up to launch floating solar in Australia    

Singapore-based Canopy Power and Norway’s Ocean Sun have formed a strategic partnership to deploy floating solar technology in Australia, aiming to accelerate renewable energy solutions while addressing land and water scarcity challenges.

The collaboration introduces Ocean Sun’s patented circular membrane-based floating solar system to Australia. It features a 70-meter-wide floater, designed to support high-efficiency solar panels while integrating rainwater harvesting capabilities, Canopy Power noted.

Solar panels installed on the membrane offer a PV capacity of 700 kWp, while integrated pumps can collect millions of liters of rainwater annually. The floating units are modular and scalable, allowing for customized deployment based on energy and water requirements.

According to Canopy Power, the company will oversee system design and deployment, integrating floating solar microgrids with other renewable assets such as battery storage, rooftop and ground-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV), and wind energy. 

The companies aim to ease land constraints by eliminating the need for large-scale land use, reducing water evaporation, and improving water quality by minimizing algae bloom formation.

“We are committed to making a meaningful impact on Australia’s renewable energy and sustainability goals. We believe that the strategic partnership between Ocean Sun and Canopy Power will enable us to introduce a unique and highly relevant solution to the Australian market, accelerating the energy transition and addressing key challenges,” said Mahasti Motazedi, Managing Director at Canopy Power Australia.

The solution’s cost-efficiency and sustainability are said to benefit companies and communities with access to water bodies, including farms, energy producers, and hydrogen facilities.

“We are thrilled to partner with Canopy Power Australia to bring our innovative floating solar technology to the Australian market,” said Kristian Tørvold, CEO of Ocean Sun.

“This collaboration leverages our complementary expertise to address critical challenges such as land and water scarcity while accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Together, we aim to provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions that benefit both companies and communities across Australia.”

Canopy Power Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canopy Power, specializes in renewable microgrid projects ranging from 1 to 10 MW. The company has a presence in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, the Maldives, and Australia.

Meanwhile, Ocean Sun recently secured NOK 4 million (around $359,000) from the Research Council of Norway and Brazil’s Finep agency to advance a 250 kWp floating solar pilot project near Rio de Janeiro in 2025.