Saipem to Help Expand Floating Solar Capabilities

Saipem Wins FEED Contract for Two 12MW Solar Arrays in the North Sea

Saipem has been awarded a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) contract for two 12MW floating solar arrays to be installed in the North Sea. The arrays will be located off the coast of Norway and will be the first of their kind in the world. The project is part of a larger initiative by Norway to increase its use of renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint. The arrays will be built using Saipem’s patented Tension Leg Platform (TLP) technology, which will allow them to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea.

Benefits of Floating Solar

Floating solar arrays offer a number of advantages over traditional land-based solar farms. They can be installed in areas where land is scarce or expensive, and they can be easily moved to avoid environmental impacts. Floating solar arrays also have a higher efficiency than land-based solar farms because they are not affected by shading or other factors that can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar panels. In addition, floating solar arrays can help to reduce water evaporation and create a habitat for marine life.

Saipem's FEED Contract

Saipem's FEED contract includes the design of the floating solar arrays, the TLPs, and the electrical infrastructure that will connect the arrays to the grid. The company will also provide construction and installation services for the project. The project is expected to be completed in 2019.

Norway's Commitment to Renewable Energy

Norway is one of the world's leading producers of renewable energy. The country has set a goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. The floating solar arrays project is part of Norway's efforts to achieve this goal. The arrays will provide clean, renewable energy to the Norwegian grid and help to reduce the country's carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Saipem's FEED contract for the two 12MW floating solar arrays in the North Sea is a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of floating solar arrays in harsh offshore environments and will help to pave the way for the wider adoption of this technology. Floating solar arrays offer a number of advantages over traditional land-based solar farms. They can be installed in areas where land is scarce or expensive, and they can be easily moved to avoid environmental impacts. Floating solar arrays also have a higher efficiency than land-based solar farms because they are not affected by shading or other factors that can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the solar panels. In addition, floating solar arrays can help to reduce water evaporation and create a habitat for marine life.