The inaugural prototype of Indonesia’s marine floating solar power plant, Solar2Wave, has been unveiled with support from Innovative UK. Collaborating companies and universities, including Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in partnership with Cranfield University, Universitas Pattimura, Orela Shipyard, PT Gerbang Multindo Nusantara, Achelous Energy, and HelioRec, worked together to launch the prototype in March 2024.
The prototype comprises six monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, generating 600 W of power. Furthermore, Solar2Wave incorporates an energy storage system, such as a 12 V battery with a capacity of 65 AH. The floating cubes utilized have been certified and engineered to withstand ultraviolet light and resist corrosion from seawater, chemicals, and oil.
After the prototype’s development at the Orela shipyard in Gresik, the Solar2Wave research pilot project will progress to the Gili Ketapang area in Probolinggo, East Java. Various factors, including the local demand for electricity support, social considerations, and accessibility to the Solar2Wave installation site, influenced the selection of this site. The construction of the pilot project will have a capacity of 25 KW to reduce dependence on diesel-powered generators.
During the preliminary research phase, running from March 2023 to February 2024, challenges in development, such as unpredictable ocean wave conditions, complex weather patterns, intricate maintenance requirements, and fluctuating operational expenses, were encountered, as reported by ITS. Throughout this initial stage, the Solar2Wave research initiative secured GBP 300,000 (USD 375,922) in funding from Innovate UK. For the forthcoming research phase commencing in April 2024, the project is slated to receive GBP 500,000 (USD 626,537) in funding. Additionally, as the project progresses, the number of research partners is expected to expand, particularly from governmental entities.
Recent studies reveal a scarcity of appropriate locations for onshore solar farms, heightening the demand for inventive solutions. Hence, floating solar power is anticipated to be pivotal in Southeast Asia’s solar energy expansion.
(Source: Offshore Energy)
