Nova Innovation and RSK have formed a joint venture, AquaGen365, to develop floating solar power stations. This collaboration follows the successful floating solar project in the Port of Leith, Edinburgh, which powers Forth Ports’ headquarters. The technology demonstrated resilience by withstanding harsh weather, including Storm Babet.
Floating solar panels offer an alternative to land-based installations, allowing deployment on inland waters, reservoirs, and offshore locations. AquaGen365 plans to scale up floating solar production, which could potentially generate 9,343 terawatt-hours of energy, enough to meet Europe’s electricity needs three times over.
This joint venture leverages RSK's extensive global network and Nova Innovation’s marine energy expertise. David Taylor, RSK’s Director, emphasized the benefits of floating solar, including cost-competitive energy generation, quick deployment, and scalability. Simon Forrest, CEO of Nova Innovation, highlighted the technology’s potential for rapid installation and its role in meeting global renewable energy goals set at COP28.
Separately, Statkraft, Europe's largest wind and solar construction company, has revised its construction targets due to challenging market conditions, including high costs and low electricity prices. It now plans to build 2-2.5 GW of renewable energy per year starting in 2026, down from an earlier target of 2.5-3 GW, and has adjusted its offshore wind targets to 6-8 GW by 2040 from the previous 10 GW.
In Haute-Marne, France, Ciel & Terre has commenced the installation of Europe’s largest floating photovoltaic power plant, the Ilots Blandin project. Initiated by Q ENERGY in 2019, the project includes 72.3 MWp of floating solar power and 2 MWp on land. Ciel & Terre manages the design, anchoring installation, and assembly of the floating platform. The project demonstrates the potential of using industrial water bodies for sustainable energy production.