Combining photovoltaics with wind power? A Chinese company shows how this can work on the high seas. A pilot project has now gone into test operation.
Twice as good: The Chinese company SPIC combines offshore wind power with floating photovoltaic modules. (Source: Ocean Sun)
- The Chinese state-owned company State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) combines two types of alternative energy production.
- In a pilot project, two floating solar panels are connected to an offshore wind turbine.
- If the project is successful, it should be scaled up in the coming year.
Why only use one sustainable energy source when there is more to it? Projects that simultaneously convert sunlight and wind into electricity already exist. The Chinese conglomerate SPIC is now presenting another option.
According to the company, the pilot project, which was installed off the coast of Haiyang in eastern China, is the first of its kind in the world. The floating photovoltaic modules provided by the Norwegian company Ocean Sun have a peak power of 0.5 Megawatts are connected by cable to an offshore wind turbine, which in turn is connected to the mainland by undersea cable.
If the hybrid system of photovoltaics and wind power is successful, SPIC and Ocean Sun plan to scale it up. A wind-solar farm with 20 megawatts is then to be built from 2023. Advantage of such systems: The electricity yield is maximized and there is a higher reliability and planning security. We summarize further news about alternative energy production at this point every day.
Also interesting right now…
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!