Saipem’s offshore floating solar prototype makes a splash, up for year-long sea trial in Norway

Italy-based engineering service provider Saipem has launched the first full-scale prototype of XolarSurf, a modular solution for harsh offshore floating solar, in Norway.

Developed by Saipem’s Norwegian subsidiary Moss Maritime, with the Norwegian manufacturer Kystteknikk and other subcontractors, the full-scale prototype was lifted and launched at sea at Kystteknikk’s facilities in Dyrvik on the island of Frøya, where it will remain for about a year. During that year, XolarSurf’s performance and production capacity will be monitored.

Designed to withstand waves up to eight meters, this is said to be the first full-scale test and a “key milestone” in the readiness of the product.

According to Saipem, XolarSurf is a modularized floating solar technology that focuses on design and engineering services for offshore energy and ocean-based sectors. The technology has undergone a full industrialization process to benefit from cost reductions linked to repeated and scalable production.

The solution generates electricity from solar panels mounted on floaters built for marine environments. Its modular design allows for flexibility, with islands consisting of multiple smaller floaters that create a secure area for the photovoltaic (PV) panels. Each floater is capable of generating up to 35 to 45 kWp of installed power.

According to Saipem, the prototype is the result of several years of development, engineering, and testing, including laboratory model and component tests, as well as full-scale tests of key marine operations necessary for installing an offshore floating solar park.

In March 2020, Saipem, Moss Maritime, and Equinor signed a cooperation agreement to develop a floating solar panel park, designed for more rough weather conditions.

“XolarSurf represents a new frontier in the floating solar segment, capable of being installed in any coastal or offshore location, even under harsh environmental conditions. It offers an optimal solution for hybrid projects, such as offshore wind farms, both fixed and floating,” said Saipem. 

This technology is suitable for locations with limited land access, remote areas, and stand-alone grids. It can also supply electricity to the growing aquaculture industry, both near shore and for planned offshore installations. The modular design of XolarSurf enables easy relocation to new sites or expansion at its current location, said Saipem.

Moss Maritime performed model testing on the floating solar park in July 2020. Equnior said that the plan was to test the floating solar plant in the summer of 2021.

French offshore cabling specialist Nexans was awarded a contract by Equinor in July 2021 to supply power export cables for the floating solar pilot.