Norway's Fred. Olsen Floating Solar PV Receives DNV Verification, Can Withstand 3.5-Meter Waves

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Norwegian company Fred. Olsen 1848's floating solar photovoltaic system "Brizo" has received technical verification from DNV. The verification, based on the DNV-RP-0584 standard, confirms the technical robustness of Brizo, marking that the technology is ready for project deployment.

Floating solar photovoltaic technology is transitioning from a relatively niche technology to a more mainstream one. As applications scale up, innovative designs tailored to specific climatic and geographical conditions continue to emerge. While designs for cold climates have previously been developed, Brizo is a system specifically engineered for extreme wave environments.

DNV's independent technical review covered the design methodology, hydrodynamic load assessment based on physical model testing, structural behavior, and testing procedures. The company stated that successfully passing the review enhances Brizo's bankability and large-scale commercial deployment, reducing technical risks for project developers, investors, and lenders.

Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Energy Systems in Northern Europe at DNV, stated that floating solar is entering a new phase of maturity, and the industry needs to scale beyond sheltered waters. Technologies capable of operating in more open environments can expand the addressable market for floating solar photovoltaic, particularly in regions facing land constraints or pressure on grid infrastructure.

The Brizo system is designed with a flexible rope net and tension system, capable of handling significant wave heights (HS) of up to 3.5 meters, making it suitable for inland and nearshore environments susceptible to waves. Fred. Olsen 1848 noted that traditional floating solar systems are mostly limited to calm, sheltered waters. By enabling deployment in more challenging environments, Brizo supports the development of emerging markets in nearshore and wave-prone inland waters, opening new frontiers for renewable energy generation. Several pilot projects are expected in the near term.