Floating solar technology is poised to become a significant contributor to renewable energy generation, with the potential to produce a massive 9,343 TWh globally – enough to meet Europe’s electricity needs threefold.
Untapped Potential of Water Bodies
Reservoirs and lakes, often underutilized, offer vast surfaces for deploying floating solar arrays. This not only generates clean energy but also helps alleviate pressures on land and water resources, particularly crucial as these become increasingly scarce.
RSK and Nova Innovation have formed a new joint venture, AquaGen365, to lead in the design and installation of floating solar power stations. Their inaugural project in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith is already supplying clean, affordable energy to Forth Ports’ headquarters.
Combining Expertise for a Sustainable Future
AquaGen365 leverages RSK’s global reach and expertise in environmental and engineering services with Nova Innovation’s world-leading knowledge of marine energy. Together, they bring over 20 years of experience in developing various renewable energy technologies.
RSK Director David Taylor highlights the advantages of floating solar, emphasizing its clean, predictable, and low-cost energy generation. It offers a compelling alternative to ground-mounted and rooftop solar, particularly where land availability is limited.
The technology is also quick to deploy, scalable, and adaptable to both marine and freshwater environments, with significant water conservation benefits.
Benefits Across Sectors
Floating solar has the potential to benefit various sectors, including agriculture, water management, industrial sites, and ports. It can enable sustainable irrigation, contribute to carbon neutrality goals, and power industrial operations with renewable energy.
Nova Innovation CEO Simon Forrest sees floating solar as a significant advancement in the pursuit of clean energy. Its rapid scalability, especially in areas with limited land, is a key advantage.
In line with global commitments to increase renewable energy capacity, floating solar presents a cost-effective and accessible solution for mitigating climate change.
Proven Technology for Challenging Environments
Nova’s floating solar technology has demonstrated its resilience in harsh conditions, including the stormy Scottish winters. AquaGen365 aims to leverage this proven technology to revolutionize the floating solar landscape, driving innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.