Nova Innovation and RSK Launch AquaGen365 for Floating Solar Power Stations
Nova Innovation and RSK have formed a joint venture, AquaGen365, to design, build, and install floating solar power stations. The initiative builds on Nova’s initial floating solar project at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, which is successfully generating renewable energy for Forth Ports’ headquarters.
The marine solar demonstrator has demonstrated resilience by generating power during severe weather conditions, including Storm Babet in October, and through 11 named storms. Floating solar technology offers the advantage of being deployed in sheltered inland waters, reservoirs, and offshore locations without occupying valuable land space. A recent study highlighted its potential to produce 9,343 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy, potentially satisfying Europe’s electricity needs three times over.
RSK director David Taylor emphasized that floating solar provides clean, low-cost energy and offers a viable alternative to land-based solar installations. Benefits include modular design, scalability, and deployment in both marine and freshwater environments. Nova Innovation’s CEO Simon Forrest highlighted floating solar's ability to quickly scale up, especially in areas where land is limited or expensive, and its role in meeting global renewable energy targets.
Ciel & Terre's Largest Floating Solar Project in Europe Underway in France
Ciel & Terre has commenced the anchoring installation and floating platform assembly for the Ilots Blandin project, a floating photovoltaic (FPV) power plant in Haute-Marne, France. This project, initiated by Q ENERGY in 2019, features 72.3 MWp of floating solar power and 2 MWp on the ground, marking it as Europe’s largest floating solar installation.
The plant spans a 127-hectare area over six lakes on a former gravel pit site. The installation aims to optimize land use and preserve available land resources while generating solar energy. The project involves a consortium including Solutions 30 Sud-Ouest, Perpetum Energy, and Ciel & Terre International.
Ciel & Terre is managing the design, anchoring installation, and floating platform assembly. The company adapted the Hydrelio aiR Optim float for the project to enhance capacity and meet performance requirements. The project’s anchoring installation was completed in 21 weeks, and over 40% of the floating islands have been assembled.
The project includes standardization methods to streamline on-site installation and a tailored logistics flow management system for efficient delivery and cost reduction. With this project, Ciel & Terre reinforces its commitment to sustainable floating solar solutions and innovation in renewable energy.