A Spanish company has launched the first floating solar power plant
In the Spanish city of Vigo, BlueNewables unveiled and launched its first innovative floating solar power plant platform. The launch took place at the San Enrique shipyard using powerful cargo cranes back in May.
In the coming weeks, the company’s engineers plan to fully complete the necessary commissioning work, after which the floating platform will be towed to the coast of Valencia for comprehensive testing directly in the open sea.
The developers officially named the new platform Paiporta in memory of the victims of the devastating storm DANA, which caused catastrophic damage to Valencia in late 2024, resulting in the deaths of 223 people and the large-scale displacement of over 15,000 local residents. José Luis Torres, CEO of the San Enrique shipyard, called the launch of the PV-bos system a significant milestone not only for the company itself but also for the entire maritime and energy sectors. This unique technology was developed specifically for long-term use in open sea areas and large port zones, effectively addressing the global problem of a severe shortage of available land onshore.
According to company representatives, such floating installations can significantly accelerate the global green energy transition through the rational use of marine space, and the structures can be successfully combined with existing offshore wind farms. Bernardino Cunago, co-founder and CEO of BlueNewables, emphasized that this project demonstrates the high industrial and technological potential of Spain and Galicia in creating innovative green solutions for the international market. The implementation of this promising initiative has received official support from leading Spanish institutions, including the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving, as well as industry organizations SOERMAR and Astilleros San Enrique.
A study conducted in the Talatan Desert in western China showed that solar panels installed in this region contributed to the formation of a unique microclimate. This led to changes in soil composition and stimulated vegetation growth.
At the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the installation of solar panels is underway to partially meet the facility’s own electricity needs. The project involves a station with a capacity of about 2 megawatts, which is scheduled to be commissioned in the near future.
This was reported by Interesting Engineering.
