The Italian startup has just launched the first floating modular solar powered prototype, capable of operating in extreme marine environments, withstanding waves of up to 8 meters. Discover this revolutionary innovation
Saipem, an Italian engineering services company, in partnership with its Norwegian subsidiary Moss Maritime, has announced the launch of XolarSurf, the first prototype full-scale demonstration of a modular floating solar power solution designed to withstand the most extreme marine conditions.
The launch took place at the facilities of Kystteknikk, a local Norwegian manufacturer, located on the island of Frøya, Norway. This development marks an important step forward in the exploration of new technologies for clean energy generation, especially in areas offshore.
Innovation in floating solar energy
XolarSurf was developed to be a viable solution for generating electricity in areas with limited access to land and where environmental conditions are extremely challenging, such as the coastal regions of Norway.
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With the capacity to withstand waves of up to 8 meters, the prototype consists of floats that form modular “islands” on which photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed. Each float has the potential to generate between 35 and 45 kWp of installed power, depending on environmental conditions.
This modularity allows the solution to be adapted to different environments and energy needs, making it suitable for projects hybrid, such as offshore wind farms, as well as providing energy for the growing aquaculture industry, both in coastal waters and in offshore installations.
XolarSurf’s design flexibility also allows it to be expanded or relocated as power needs and local conditions change.
Technological partnership
The development of XolarSurf involved collaboration with several companies and industry experts, including Kystteknikk and other subcontractors, as well as a strategic partnership with global energy company Equinor.
This joint effort has resulted in a prototype that will be monitored for a year in the waters of Dyrvik, on the island of Frøya, to assess its performance and production capacity. The success of this test will be key to determining the next step towards large-scale commercialization of the technology.
One of the great differentiators of XolarSurf is its industrialization process, which aims to reduce costs through repeated and scalable production. With this approach, Saipem and its partners hope to create a competitive solar energy solution in the offshore market, where limited space on land and adverse environmental conditions have always been a challenge.
XolarSurf represents a new frontier for the solar energy industry, enabling electricity generation in places where it would previously have been impossible. In addition to being an ideal solution for regions with limited access to land, the floating technology can be integrated with other renewable sources, such as offshore wind farms, creating a hybrid power generation system.
This innovation paves the way for the adoption of clean energy systems in remote and autonomous areas, offering a viable alternative to meet the energy demand of these regions. 7
With a robust and modular design, XolarSurf can also be expanded and adapted for future demands, becoming an essential piece in the transition to a more sustainable global energy matrix.