The Philippines’ first 200kw floating solar power project by Ocean Sun, a leading solar energy company based in Norway, has been switched on.
The pilot facility is the first non-hydro project of SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP), one of the Philippines’ leading renewable energy companies.
Located in the 1170-hectare Magat reservoir, the purpose-built facility has been designed to withstand disruptive weather conditions and strong typhoons. The project will go through a pilot test lasting for 10 months, and will initially serve house-load requirements of SNAP’s Magat hydro. If successful, SNAP will look into scaling up the project so that the power generated may contribute to its renewable energy capacity to the country’s energy security.
Related article: Queensland biofuel taking world stage
GCL-SI Chairman Eric Luo said, “GCL has been an active player in the development of cost-effective renewable energy on a global scale. The cooperation with Ocean Sun on this ground-breaking project in the Philippines once again emphasises the trust we have won from our global partners”.
As new opportunity-creating technology, floating solar facilities – the installation of photovoltaic panels on the body of water – are seen as the advantage for countries where land is in high demand. Alfonso Cusi, Secretary for the Department of Energy of the Philippines, noted that the potential of floating solar would provide a much-needed boost to the energy supply as the country demand for power reaches 11,000MW.
Related article: Stanwell takes flexible approach to coal future
Through an agreement between Ocean Sun and GCL-SI at Shanghai SNEC, the two companies have co-operated on the development of PV modules for floating PV solutions and floating solar facilities. GCL-SI will further strengthen its research and development into high-efficiency products, supporting Ocean Sun for the construction of solar energy facilities to match the rapid economic growth and ever-increasing demand for renewable energy in the Philippines.