SolarDuck & RWE Launch Offshore Floating Solar Pilot “Merganser” Off Dutch Coast

SolarDuck, in collaboration with RWE, successfully installed the Merganser offshore floating solar pilot project off the Dutch coast.

The Merganser project, located around 12 kilometres off Scheveningen, has a peak capacity of 0.5 megawatts (MWp).

It was developed by SolarDuck, a Dutch-Norwegian company that specializes in offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) technology.

RWE, a global leader in offshore wind, funded it.

The project consists of six interconnected platforms envisioned to withstand extreme North Sea conditions.

Sven Utermöhlen, RWE’s CEO for Offshore Wind, highlighted the potential of offshore floating solar to enhance existing offshore wind farms, particularly in areas with ample sunlight but low wind speeds.

The integration of SolarDuck technology promises efficient ocean space use while addressing land limitations for renewable energy generation.

SolarDuck’s triangular-shaped platforms are designed to float over the water, reducing wave exposure and protecting crucial components.

Merganser’s design was recently certified by Bureau Veritas and underwent rigorous testing to ensure structural and operational reliability in offshore environments.

Koen Burgers, CEO of SolarDuck, expressed pride in the project’s successful completion, highlighting the collaborative efforts with RWE and several research partners, including TNO, TU Delft, and MARIN.

Supply chain partners Damen Shipyards and Norsk Hydro contributed to the project’s success, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.

Floating Solar Pilot — Image Credits: RWE

Merganser will be extensively monitored over the next two years, with over 180 sensors assessing structural loads, mooring effectiveness, and electrical performance.

The data will be crucial for refining and preparing the technology for broader commercial applications.

The Merganser project establishes a precedent for offshore floating solar and aligns with Europe’s broader energy transition goals.

The future of offshore renewable energy is promising as RWE continues to pioneer sustainable energy solutions through projects such as the Hollandse Kust (west) Wind Farm Zone.

The Hollandse Kust (west) Wind Farm Zone, where RWE has won a project, demonstrates the strategic significance of offshore energy development in the region.

The project’s timeline aims for operational readiness by the end of 2026, with major contributions to regional energy security and sustainability goals.

Reference: RWE

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