Bloomberg: Offshore solar power plants set to be the next clean energy breakthrough

Beijing, July 22 (CTK/Bloomberg) – Two circular floats lined with neat rows of solar panels, located in the Chinese waters of the Yellow Sea, where waves can reach up to ten metres, began generating electricity late last year. The floats, located about 30 kilometres off the coast of Shandong province, mark an important step towards the next clean energy breakthrough, Bloomberg reports.

The experiment by State Power Investment, China’s largest renewable energy developer, and Norwegian company Ocean Sun is one of the most significant tests of offshore solar technology. It could represent a major advance for the sector, making it possible to install renewable energy sources on the sea. This could help regions where land for solar panels is limited to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

Most initial tests of offshore solar panels have involved small systems. A number of challenges still need to be overcome, including higher costs and the effects of corrosive salts and destructive winds. Nevertheless, developers are increasingly confident that offshore solar power plants could become a significant new segment of renewable energy.