BV approves high wave offshore solar farm system

The Oceans of Energy’s offshore solar farm system is the world’s first offshore solar farm proven in high waves, operating in the North Sea since 2019. 

“Oceans of Energy is very proud to receive this Approval in Principle as we realise it is a testimony of sound engineering, a feasible and sound concept choice,” said Allard van Hoeken, founder and CEO of Oceans of Energy.

“It is of great reassurance to our stakeholders that the design of the floating farm and mooring system have been reviewed and approved by Bureau Veritas.”

Unique design

The farm currently installed has a size of 0.5MW, but because the system is modular, scalable to any size.

It has a unique design. Rather than heavy structures above sea, which are normally used for offshore technology, the offshore solar farm system is lightweight. It uses the sea surface directly as support, like a waterlily resting on the water surface.

In order to withstand high waves and rough seas, it uses an innovative system combining rigid and flexible structures that allows it to ride on waves.

Such a novel system had not been used before in offshore high wave application, nevertheless, the system has recently entered its fourth year of successful operation in high waves.

Since its deployment, the system has withstood many heavy storms, with waves up to 9.9 metres high. During its development, the system was successfully basin-tested with 13-metre-high waves. 

The Approval in Principle includes all aspects and products needed for the production of an Offshore Solar Farm system. This includes Oceans of Energy’s design base, the designed floaters, the mounting of the solar panels, scale model testing reports and mooring system design.