China launches its first semi-submersible offshore solar platform

April 12, 2023, by Amir Garanovic

Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore (CIMC Raffles) has launched China’s first semi-submersible offshore floating solar power generation platform.

CIMC Raffles completed the launch and towing operation of the semi-submersible offshore solar platform, and delivered it to CIMC Jiguang Marine Technology (Yantai).

The platform, for which the independent intellectual property rights are owned by China International Marine Containers (CIMC), is made up of an array of four single floating solar units, with a total installed capacity of 400kWp and a total deck area of about 1,900 square meters.

It features eight systems related to connections and moorings, solar power generation, intelligent monitoring, dynamic submarine cable transmission, power consumption and anti-collision system.

This enables the platform to operate safely at wave heights of 6.5 meters and wind speeds of 34 m/s, with up to 4.6 meters of tidal range variations.

The platform demonstrates the concept of multi-body floating array connection (Courtesy of CIMC)

According to developers, the offshore solar platform has already been installed, demonstrating CIMC Raffles’ ability to deliver commercial-scale semi-submersible solar platforms.

A spokesperson for CIMC Raffles said the platform’s successful demonstration proves the feasibility of semi-submersible offshore floating solar technology, which will provide an effective starting point for follow-up product development and large-scale application.

Also, the platform could open the doors for further development and promotion of semi-submersible solar platforms in deeper sea.