HelioRec and partners launch EU-backed project to advance floating solar tech

French offshore solar start-up HelioRec has launched the STEWART project, aimed at advancing environmentally friendly floating solar solutions, backed by the European Union and Région Pays de la Loire through the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership).

According to HelioRec, the STEWART project focuses on developing a protocol to monitor the environmental impacts of floating photovoltaic (PV) systems, analyzing economic and legal frameworks to support sustainable deployment, and introducing new design guidelines and technical improvements to reduce ecological impact.

The project brings together several partners, including INNOSEA, Sapienza Università di Roma, Middle East Technical University, Tonucci & Partners, BayWa r.e. Global, Ege University, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

“At HelioRec, we are committed to driving innovation in floating solar technology, ensuring sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand,” said the company in a social media post.

In November 2024, HelioRec teamed up with compatriot company deepmath solutions to address the engineering demands of floating solar in marine environments. The partnership is said to combine deepmath’s expertise in modeling with HelioRec’s advancements in offshore solar to create resilient and efficient floating solar solutions.

In August, HelioRec earned B Corporation (BCorp) certification from B Lab, a nonprofit organization that certifies companies for their social and environmental impact, marking its commitment to a more sustainable and equitable future.