“A floating substructure inspired by the geometry of water lilies, as well as new eco-UHPC concretes”
TECNALIA is making progress on floating photovoltaic substructures manufactured using very high-performance, low-carbon-footprint concrete
Floating photovoltaic energy is getting ready to take the leap into the marine environment – a sector that offers new opportunities to increase renewable energy generation and explore new possibilities for integration with offshore infrastructure and activities. However, operating at sea means facing challenges such as swell, corrosion, structural fatigue, biofouling and the complexity of installation and maintenance operations.
With the aim of addressing these challenges, TECNALIA is leading the European initiative NATURSEA-PV. Its aim is to improve the durability, reliability and maintenance of the substructures used in offshore floating PV systems, thereby reducing their degradation and failure rates and, consequently, the investment risk and the levelised cost of electricity.
Bio-inspired design and new materials
One of the project’s key developments is a floating substructure inspired by the shape of water lilies. By means of radial and tangential beams, the design aims to provide a lightweight and flexible solution capable of withstanding the loads generated by marine conditions.
- The initiative has also boosted the development of new types of ultra-high-performance, low-carbon-footprint concrete (eco-UHPC), designed to withstand harsh environments and extend the service life of structures.
- Similarly, bio-based anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings have been developed to protect concrete, metals and glass surfaces from deterioration caused by exposure to the marine environment.
- In addition to the development of materials, the project has focused on modelling and prediction tools that assess the durability of structures, optimise their performance and plan preventive maintenance strategies.
From the lab to offshore
The work carried out has ranged from the conceptual design of floating PV systems made from ultra-high-performance concrete to the numerical and experimental validation of flexible floats and mooring systems under different environmental conditions.
- TECNALIA has led the development and characterisation of these new materials, which have been validated through laboratory tests and trials on components and prototypes subjected to conditions that simulate the marine environment.
- Beyond the technological aspect, the environmental and socio-economic compatibility of offshore floating PV systems has also been analysed in collaboration with public authorities, associations and other relevant stakeholders.
Workshop on 28 October
The initiative, which is now entering its final months of implementation, will bring together key stakeholders from the offshore value chain for a workshop on 28 October to share the main findings and analyse the next steps required to accelerate the market roll-out of these technologies.
- The workshop will take place both in person in San Sebastián and online, and registration is currently open.
- These developments lay the foundations for a new generation of floating PV platforms capable of operating for long periods in demanding marine environments, reducing maintenance requirements and improving the sustainability of future offshore installations.