RWE - Experts & Thought Leaders

With the support of RWE, the Dutch-Norwegian company SolarDuck, has installed its offshore floating solar (OFPV) project, Merganser. The pilot project aims to test and demonstrate the structural, mooring, and electrical designs and acquire knowledge about manufacturing, assembly, offshore installation, and maintenance methodologies required for large-scale commercial deployment of OFPV.  Merganser Merganser has a capacity of 0.5 megawatt peak (MWp) and is located in the Dutch North Sea, approximately 12 kilometres off the coast of Scheveningen. The scalable concept consists of six interconnected platforms that withstand extreme offshore conditions.  The floating platforms were successfully connected to the mooring system at a water depth of 20 metres. RWE will continue to provide its offshore know-how and technical support to the pilot project.  Renewable energy Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, “Standalone or also in combination with offshore wind farms, offshore floating solar could open up further offshore renewable energy opportunities, especially for countries with lower average wind speeds but lots of sunlight." "With Merganser, we are gaining unique insights and first-hand experience in one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world.”  Semi-submersible floating structure SolarDuck's triangular-shaped platform is designed to float several metres above the water, following the waves Taking solar farms offshore requires technology that can withstand rough offshore conditions. SolarDuck's triangular-shaped platform is designed to float several metres above the water, following the waves like a carpet.  In this way, the design keeps critical components dry, clean, and stable and secures the structural integrity of the semi-submersible floating structure. The design received recently the world’s first certification for OFPV by Bureau Veritas.  Offshore floating solar Koen Burgers, CEO of SolarDuck, “The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar. However, we are not doing this alone." "Our project partner, RWE, is a supporter of our technology and vision, in addition to other partners such as TNO, TU Delft, MARIN, and Deltares. Together with numerous supply chain partners, including Damen Shipyards, TMA, and Norsk Hydro, we have turned hard work into a positive change for the energy space.”  Monitoring campaign The combination of RWE's global market position in offshore wind and SolarDuck's technological ingenuity set the perfect base for accelerating the deployment of OFPV. Over the coming two years, Merganser will be monitored remotely with its more than 180 sensors fitted to monitor structural loads, connector and mooring loads, and electrical performance, among other important performance criteria. Further to the above, Deltares - a Dutch independent institute for applied research - will support an extensive monitoring campaign on the ecological impact of OFPV.

Bureau Veritas (BV), a global pioneer in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), has awarded the Dutch-Norwegian renewable energy company SolarDuck the world’s first Prototype Certification for a floating offshore solar technology, as applied in SolarDuck’s 0.5 MW pilot "Merganser". This certification represents a significant step forward in the development of marine renewable energy technologies for offshore applications. Real-world operational environment The Merganser project, developed by SolarDuck and supported by RWE, features an offshore floating solar pilot with a capacity of 520 kWp. Comprising six interconnected platforms, the solution is designed to withstand challenging offshore conditions, including high waves, strong winds, and corrosive environments. The Merganser project features an offshore floating solar pilot with a capacity of 520 kWp The design has been certified to withstand a maximum wave height of 11.6 metres (with a directional 10-year return period) at a water depth of 21.5 metres (MSL) at the North Sea Farmers test site. It will be deployed off the coast of The Hague, Netherlands, providing a real-world operational environment to evaluate its performance and resilience in the dynamic North Sea. Certification of the Merganser prototype Moving forward, the technology will be further evaluated for a type certification Bureau Veritas has been actively supporting SolarDuck in its pioneering efforts to develop floating solar solutions. The certification of the Merganser prototype follows the Approval in Principle (AiP) granted for its floating structure. Throughout the certification process, Bureau Veritas meticulously evaluated the prototype against rules and standards, including guidance note NI631 on the Certification Scheme for Marine Renewable Energy Technologies.  These assessments covered various aspects such as the floating structure, mooring system, stability analysis, materials, and electrical safety systems. Moving forward, the technology will be further evaluated for a type certification. Offshore floating solar technology Don Hoogendoorn, CTO of SolarDuck, commented: “A key step in making the technology bankable is obtaining certification of the technology. As long-standing partners, SolarDuck has cooperated closely together with Bureau Veritas to verify the technology for the harsh North Sea conditions, marking a significant milestone in the development of our offshore floating solar technology.” “The certification of SolarDuck's prototype Merganser reflects the collaborative efforts between Bureau Veritas and industry innovators in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Our expertise in assessing structural integrity and conducting design evaluations played an important role in meeting technical standards, highlighting our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring safety and reliability in offshore renewable energy projects,” says Martijn Nieuwenhuijs, Country Chief Executive, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Netherlands.

SolarDuck is excited to announce that it has secured additional funding for the development and deployment of Offshore Floating Solar power technology. This funding sets the company on a path of continued growth, able to further build on its pioneering position in the Offshore Floating Solar Energy industry, deliver its first commercial projects, and increase its impact as the company works towards its goal of deploying over 1 GW of offshore generated solar electricity by 2030. Sustainable supply The funding has been provided by both existing and new investors. An international consortium of Katapult Ocean, Green Tower, Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam, and Invest-NL all share SolarDuck’s commitment to accelerating a sustainable supply of offshore energy with offshore floating solar power. With the new funding, SolarDuck can extend its pioneering position by deploying its first commercial projects. In addition, its experienced and dedicated team continues to optimise the technology to build markets around the world and accelerate further roll-out. Offshore energy generation SolarDuck’s technology can be deployed in wind-scarce, but sun-rich regions as ‘stand-alone’ offshore floating solar farms As the world is electrifying and a rising world population and urbanisation are resulting in land scarcity, the market for offshore energy generation is increasing. SolarDuck’s technology can be deployed in wind-scarce, but sun-rich regions as ‘stand-alone’ offshore floating solar farms.  Independent supply of renewable energy Co-locating SolarDuck technology with offshore wind is also possible, as will be happening in the Dutch North Sea. SolarDuck is aiming to generate a sizeable impact by replacing fossil-powered energy sources like coal-fired power plants and diesel generators. This technology also enables island and offshore installations and even countries to set up an independent supply of renewable energy. Projects: 3 countries plus the largest hybrid floating solar plant  SolarDuck has a pipeline of over 3.5GWp and has already secured projects around the world SolarDuck has a pipeline of over 3.5GWp and has already secured projects around the world. Amongst other projects, work is being done on a 5MW demonstrator project to be installed at the Hollandse Kust West VII offshore wind park in the Netherlands (North Sea) in collaboration with RWE. When completed, it will be the largest hybrid floating solar plant in existence. Offshore demonstrator project In addition, SolarDuck is providing Japan’s first ever offshore floating solar plant, to be installed in Tokyo Bay with local partners. A third project is underway with TNB Renewables in Malaysia.  Ahead of these projects, SolarDuck will launch its offshore demonstrator project named ‘Merganser’ early in 2024. It will be installed and tested in the Dutch North Sea. New asset class This successful funding round provides us with the means to continue the development and deployment" Koen Burgers, CEO and Co-Founder of SolarDuck, said “We are delighted to have secured this latest round of funding. SolarDuck is introducing a new asset class of energy generation." Koen Burgers adds, "With demand increasing, offshore floating solar offers real promise for the decarbonisation of our energy supply. This successful funding round provides us with the means to continue the development and deployment of both our Team and technology.” What investors say This view is shared by the existing investors. Katapult Ocean has been on board since the very beginning of SolarDuck. Jonas Svegaarden, CEO of Katapult Ocean, says, “We are very excited to announce our increased investment in SolarDuck and to support their next phase of growth." Jonas Svegaarden adds, "To harness the blue growth opportunity, we must also endeavour to build offshore. SolarDuck represents a new category of ocean infrastructure, which has the potential to unlock significant resources towards the global renewable energy mix and to enable enhanced economics to exist offshore renewable assets.” Energy transition SolarDuck offers a unique addition to the existing energy mix, which will open up a huge potential" Rik Aalders, Managing Director of Green Tower shares this view stating that, “We strongly believe that to accelerate the energy transition, a mix of different technologies should be developed to cater for the needs of different geographical regions, all with their characteristics." Rik Aalders adds, "SolarDuck offers a unique addition to the existing energy mix, which will open up a huge potential for further growth of renewable energy, both via standalone projects and in co-development with offshore wind. Green Tower is pleased to continue to be part of that journey together with the team of SolarDuck.” Social and environmental impact Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam and Invest-NL are new investors. Ralph van Drooge, Sr. Investment Manager at Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam, states, “We are pleased and proud to support SolarDuck in their promising journey in further developing and deploying offshore floating solar around the world." Ralph van Drooge adds, "This is a great addition to accelerate the energy transition and very important for the Rotterdam region because of their positive social and environmental impact.” Innovative, scalable solution Invest-NL believes that offshore floating solar is a valuable ingredient in the Dutch energy mix Invest-NL, the Dutch state-backed fund, believes that offshore floating solar is a valuable ingredient in the Dutch energy mix. Corine Franken, Senior Investment Manager at Invest-NL, adds, “SolarDuck is a front-runner in the offshore floating solar sector." Corine Franken adds, "This innovative, scalable solution addresses the growing demand for renewable energy and the scarcity of land use. Invest-NL is excited to support their strong, professional management team, which has deep knowledge of the offshore and energy industries.”  Easy-to-use and promising technology Impulse has been supporting SolarDuck as its corporate finance advisor during this project. According to Feddo Tamminga, Managing Partner of Impulse, “Current market conditions regarding funding are quite challenging, but due to SolarDuck’s easy-to-use and promising technology, their experienced team, and their strong traction in the market, it has been relatively easy to fund their next phase of growth and expansion." Feddo Tamminga adds, "Working together with the team has been an absolute pleasure and assured the success of this campaign.”