en.Wedoany.com Reported - In the Maldives, the 2.4-megawatt SolarSea offshore floating photovoltaic system deployed by Austrian clean energy company Swimsol has successfully provided daytime electricity for Cheval Blanc Randheli island. The system utilizes solar power to help the island reduce its reliance on diesel. With global fuel prices rising, it is projected to save approximately $1.5 million in diesel expenses annually.

Islands in the Maldives commonly rely on independent diesel generators for power, with the country's diesel import costs accounting for about one-tenth of its GDP. Swimsol's SolarSea system offers stable electricity pricing for up to 30 years, bringing transformation to the island's energy structure.

Martin Putschek, founder and CEO of Swimsol, stated: "When we installed the first prototype in 2014, many people doubted its durability. Today, the early platforms are still operational, and the 2.4-megawatt project at Cheval Blanc validates the potential for large-scale application of this technology. Multiple SolarSea projects have been completed in places like the Maldives and Seychelles, with more installations being planned."

Lionel Valla, General Manager of Cheval Blanc Randheli, said: "The beauty of the Maldives needs protection. By harnessing solar energy, we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development. This is both our respect for nature and our responsibility for the future."

With less than 1% of its area being land, most islands in the Maldives have limited space, making it difficult to accommodate large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic facilities. The SolarSea system places PV panels offshore, solving the land constraint issue. In 2014, Swimsol installed the world's first offshore floating solar platform.

Initially, Maldivian resorts were skeptical of solar technology, concerned about its impact on power supply reliability. Swimsol spent six years gradually demonstrating the feasibility of rooftop PV and offshore floating systems to secure its first major resort contract. Currently, over 50 resort islands use Swimsol's PV systems, including well-known brands like Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria.

Island power supply projects face logistical challenges, such as a lack of ports and wide roads. Swimsol engineers use custom equipment to transport heavy transformers. Each system is designed to European standards and maintained by a professional team of over 150 people.

The SolarSea system is operational at ten sites, primarily in the Maldives, with applications also in Indonesia and Chile. Its use has expanded to resorts, fish farms, and public grids. The Maldives' total installed power capacity is approximately 600 megawatts, with over 90% reliant on diesel. Swimsol has cumulatively installed 50 megawatts-peak of solar capacity.

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