Floating solar panels
Making space for renewable energy
The Paris Climate Treaty agreed to limit the rise in average global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. Europe is shaping this green transition with a Green Deal, with the ultimate goal of climate neutrality in 2050. However, urbanisation and increasing space pressure are hampering the energy transition. Floating solar power (FPV) is increasingly a sustainable and feasible alternative to solar parks on land.
Witteveen+Bos has extensive experience in projects around the world combining solar energy technology on water with sustainable water management and restoring biodiversity. Our experts offer tailor-made solutions in floating solar energy. Tailored to the project location and in close cooperation with the stakeholders. With this approach, we aim to contribute to a sustainable future for both people and aquatic ecosystems.
Our services in the field of FPV:
- Design of floating solar energy
- Nature development and protection
- Nature-inclusive design
- Plan and policy development
- Analysing technical and financial feasibility
We are involved in a wide variety of projects in this area of expertise. Examples are an ecological feasibility study of floating solar on the Haringvliet (Netherlands), the designs for floating solar on various drinking water basins (Netherlands), technical due diligence for private investors, feasibility studies for government and private companies for projects worldwide.
Our experts provide support in both planning and implementation. For example, by designing sustainable energy installations, assessment of legislation (such as through Environmental Impact Assessments, Appropriate Assessment and/or the Water Framework Directive), management plans or ecological guidance during implementation.
System and scientific knowledge as a basis
A floating solar energy installation affects the surroundings and the environment, landscape incorporation and design. Choices must therefore be made responsibly. Thorough knowledge of the local ecological system and the impact relationships of floating solar panels on this system is essential to find optimal solutions.
Based on the ‘Building with Nature’ philosophy, we are looking for sustainable, future-proof solutions that bring together economic and natural development. While developing we always look at the bigger picture.
In the field of solar on water, we cooperate with universities and other knowledge institutes in marine and estuarine ecology, and storing. By constantly investing in our knowledge level, we are able to integrate the latest scientific insights and skills into our clients' projects.