Floating solar PV (FPV) is emerging as a transformative solution for regions where land availability is limited, yet water surfaces remain underutilised. Fred. Olsen 1848 recently completed a ground-breaking two-week model test campaign at SINTEF Ocean, confirming the performance of the company’s floating solar platform, BRIZO. The tests demonstrate that the technology can extend beyond traditional applications, unlocking new acreage for floating solar on water bodies and creating opportunities in maritime and nearshore areas where wind and wave dynamics are more pronounced
Testing Under Realistic Ocean Conditions:
Scaled BRIZO models of commercially sized configurations of 1 MW and 3 MW islands were subjected to rigorous wave simulations, including significant wave heights up to 3.5 meters and peak heights of 7 meters
The configurations allowed engineers to assess how system width and length influence wave loading, generating data essential for understanding load distribution within the system in regular, irregular and breaking wave scenarios. This will allow optimising platform stability for environments ranging from hydro dams, large lakes and nearshore waters where wave loads can be expected.
Engineering for Resilience:
A core principle of BRIZO’s design is module flexibility. Each solar panel moves independently within a pre-tensioned rope mesh, allowing the system to “ride the waves” rather than resist them, while efficiently transferring loads through the system and to the anchors. This reduces stress on individual modules while maintaining structural integrity and operational performance. The model tests confirmed that BRIZO can withstand demanding wave conditions, offering confidence for scaling to full-size deployments.
Industry Insights and Implications:
Beyond testing BRIZO’s resilience, the campaign provides broader insights for the floating solar sector. Understanding dynamic forces in open-water environments enables developers to refine platform design, anchoring strategies, and long-term maintenance plans. The results demonstrate that cost-efficient floating PV can operate in conditions previously considered challenging for FPV applications and expanding the scope of deployment to regions with untapped water surfaces.
By sharing these findings, Fred. Olsen 1848 contributes to the knowledge base supporting safe, scalable, and cost-effective floating solar solutions. The study underscores the value of rigorous model testing in mitigating project risks, informing design decisions, ultimately helping to accelerate adoption of water-based renewable energy technologies.
Towards Scalable, Sustainable Energy:
Floating solar presents a unique opportunity to generate clean energy without competing for land, particularly in regions with high energy demand and limited space. BRIZO’s successful model testing demonstrates that the platform can combine resilience, efficiency, and scalability, positioning floating PV as a practical solution for a diverse range of environments.
The campaign highlights the intersection of innovation and sustainability: by rigorously validating technology under realistic conditions, developers can deliver solutions ready for real-world marine challenges. As the global energy transition continues, floating solar platforms like BRIZO are poised to play a key role in helping nations harness underutilized water surfaces, contributing to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Towards Scalable, Sustainable Energy:
Fred. Olsen 1848 is an innovation and technology company that focuses on the development and commercialisation of innovative technologies related to renewable energy.
We are a determined and multidisciplinary team with a broad variety of industry experience within the field of renewables, all working towards our goal to make sustainable energy more widely available to help combat climate change.
Innovation and curiosity are our DNA, and our ideas are based on consistent experience and knowledge built up over 175 years of identifying and solving challenges, from when the Fred. Olsen ship-owning enterprise commenced in 1848.
The main technologies of Fred. Olsen 1848 are aimed at solving some of the key industry challenges within emerging renewable energies.
Fred. Olsen 1848 is a part of the ecosystem of Fred. Olsen-related companies within renewable energy.