DNV and Moss Maritime team up to propel floating solar technology in harsh marine environment

DNV has cooperated with offshore design and engineering services provider, Moss Maritime, to increase the deployment of floating solar technology in severe environmental conditions. 

DNV has issued a Statement of Conformity to Moss Maritime for the design methodology of XolarSurf, a floating solar concept. This indicates progress in technology development, notably for floating solar in exposed waters, offering clean energy near the shore without land use.

The Statement of Conformity confirms that the design methodology aligns with DNV’s standards outlined in DNV-ST-0119. DNV has conducted thorough assessments to correct errors or weaknesses in the methods and analytical tools. 

The companies have said to account for the impact of wind, waves, and currents on marine structures to ensure the concept’s development.

The independent confirmation of the design brief assists Moss Maritime in lowering risks and attracting necessary investments for advancing the floating solar technology.

“We aim to have a prototype in the water by June. DNV’s Statement of Conformity is a recognition and a stamp of quality that gives us a good basis for further work,” said Alexander Minge Thøgersen, Vice President of Engineering at Moss Maritime.

“Compared to floating wind turbines, floating solar power technology is simpler, engineering costs are lower, and structures are easier to build. Floating solar power is also well suited for mass production, which will have a positive impact on price and deployment.”

DNV’s 2023 energy transition outlook emphasized the significant growth of solar photovoltaics (PV), from 1 GW installed yearly in 2004 to 250 GW installed in 2022 alone. While land-based solar farms face space limitations, floating solar technology could offer a solution by utilizing water surfaces. 

Despite challenges posed by harsh sea conditions, the benefits such as reduced land use and potential co-location with existing wind farms make floating solar this interesting.

Combining floating solar with offshore wind farms could enhance energy production capacity per used area, highlighting its importance in the renewable energy transition.

“Solar power development is an important element in the energy transition. Investing in the development of floating solar power is therefore highly interesting, especially in connection with co-locating with offshore wind farms. This provides both good area utilization and the possibility of cost reduction through the sharing of infrastructure,” said Hans Kristian Danielsen from Energy Systems at DNV, based in Hovik, Norway.  

“In practice, Moss Maritime has received an instruction manual, so that they can design and develop floating solar power that can withstand rough sea conditions.”