Saipem, Equinor Sign Cooperation Agreement for Floating Solar Projects

Saipem and Equinor have recently signed a cooperation agreement to develop a floating solar power project for near coastal applications.

Saipem and Equinor have recently signed a cooperation agreement to develop a floating solar power project for near coastal applications. The technology will be based on the in-house developed concept by Moss Maritime, part of Saipem’s XSIGHT division dedicated to high value-added services, which is a modularised system, designed for easy fabrication, transportation and installation at the operation site.

The technology provides the same benefits as already established by solar photovoltaic solutions for calm sea locations (Floating Photovoltaic). However, being designed for more rough weather conditions, additional locations can now be considered. The Moss Maritime solution has a dual application: it is suitable for areas where there are no large water reservoirs and also for very windy areas.

As part of the cooperation agreement, Equinor and Moss Maritime will combine their experiences and know-how to further develop the concept with a competitive and cost-effective approach that shall meet the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions. The ambition is to be one of the leading providers of near coastal and offshore solutions for floating solar panel parks.

Ida Husem, CEO of Moss Maritime, said “the agreement with Equinor goes in the direction taken by Saipem and Moss Maritime towards the development of new technologies related to clean energy. Moss Maritime is constantly looking for opportunities where to apply its expertise in engineering design and services also in the renewable energy sector.”

In November 2019, Saipem had announced that it has been awarded two EPCI contracts for the development of two offshore wind farms in Scotland and Taiwan for a combined amount of Euro 750 million. The first contract has been awarded by the French company EDF Renewables for the construction of the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) wind farm offshore Scotland.

The scope of work consists of the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of 54 steel foundation jackets for an equivalent number of wind turbines with a capacity of around 8 MW each, 2 steel foundation jackets for the offshore electrical substations and the transportation and installation of the relevant topsides. These jackets will be manufactured partly at a Saipem owned yard and partly in fabrication facilities located in Scotland. The jackets will be placed on piles at depths ranging from 40 to 60 meters.