Certification society Bureau Veritas has granted Oceans of Energy approval in principle (AiP) for its system design of a high-wave offshore solar farm system. Modular by design to meet differing requirements, Oceans of Energy’s 0.5MW solar farm in the North Sea has been in operation since 2019.
Oceans of Energy’s solar solution is lightweight, enabling it to rest on the sea’s surface using a combination of rigid and flexible structures that can ride on waves. Since being deployed four years ago, the solution has undergone rigorous testing having withstood waves up to 9.9m tall. Previously, the system was basin-tested and subjected to 13m waves.
Oceans of Energy has collaborated closely with Bureau Veritas over the past two years, and the AiP covers all aspects and products required for the offshore solar farm system to be produced. This includes the design base, the designed floaters, the mounting of the solar panels, scale model testing reports and the mooring system design.
The system was tested in rough North Sea conditions, and load cases determined all the structural calculations that had to be undertaken.
“Oceans of Energy is very proud to receive this approval in principle as we realize it is a testimony to sound engineering, a feasible and sound concept choice and a recognition as a leading technology with a promising future,” 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 has been reviewed and approved by Bureau Veritas.”
“We have extensive experience in the marine and offshore market that helps us to provide relevant and efficient support to pioneers such as Oceans of Energy,” commented Laurent Leblanc, technical and operations senior vice president at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore. “Our mission of ‘shaping a better maritime world’ is all about enabling these innovative solutions that support society’s new demands and aspirations. We would like to congratulate Oceans of Energy for this AiP, and we look forward to collaborating on the next steps of their venture.”
