SolarinBlue validates anchoring system for 1 MW offshore solar project

French renewable energy company SolarinBlue has completed a geotechnical survey and anchor traction tests for its 1 MW offshore solar project, Méga Sète, supported by France 2030.

According to SolarinBlue, the field tests, conducted on February 27 and 28, assessed the viability of the anchoring system, an important step before deployment.

A high-vibration vibrocoring system was used to analyze the seabed at representative locations. The findings indicate compatibility with low-impact anchoring, minimizing disruption to marine ecosystems, the French company noted.

The team performed an anchor traction test to confirm the system’s strength and reliability. With the installation process now validated, the project moves forward toward implementation.

“These tests mark a major milestone in de-risking offshore solar and preparing for its scalability at sea,” SolarinBlue said in a social media post.

Jifmar Group supported the operations, contributing its expertise to ensure a smooth execution.

According to the SolarinBlue, Méga Sète will cover one hectare and is expected to produce over 1,300 MWh annually, with electricity being transported via a submarine cable to the port of Sète-Frontignan, supporting its strategy to decarbonize energy consumption.

The company’s technology is compatible with fixed and floating offshore wind farms, allowing shared connections to reduce infrastructure costs and increase renewable electricity production at the same site. 

In January, the European Union (EU)-backed TREASURE project selected SolarinBlue, among the 52 companies to address environmental challenges in Euro-MED ports. According to TREASURE, the selection process focused on technological innovation, scalability across different port environments, and potential impact.

In June 2024, SolarinBlue was awarded €6 million in funding for its floating solar project by the French government as part of the France 2030 program, operated by ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition.