Floating solar platform

The Dutch offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust West (HKW) VII, located 53 kilometres off the coast near IJmuiden, will be home to the world’s largest floating solar platform. The platform will consist of dozens of floating, interconnected triangular-shaped structures with solar panels and integrated storage solutions. Iv’s expertise in floating structures and offshore engineering prompted SolarDuck to approach us to optimise the concept to meet all requirements and withstand the harsh conditions at sea. The floating solar farm is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The harsh North Sea environment in which the HKW VII wind farm is located is considered one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world. The structure must be able to properly absorb the motions from the waves to prevent damage to the systems on the structure (such as solar panels and subsystems). In such conditions, structures are subject to fatigue and corrosion, among other things.

On land, it is increasingly difficult to build large solar farms. At the same time, the demand for renewable energy is only increasing. The floating solar platform will have a capacity of 5 MWp (megawatt-peak) and will provide a solution for continued security of supply of affordable, sustainable energy. It is a particularly suitable solution for increasing sustainable energy supply in countries with lower average wind speeds but higher solar irradiance. The platform will be installed between wind turbines to use the space at sea as efficiently as possible.