Candela, Canopy Power, and Ocean Sun have joined forces to provide floating solar-powered charging stations in remote Asia Pacific islands
Canopy Power will design microgrids using Ocean Sun’s floating solar panels to generate electricity for fast-charging Candela’s P-12 electric ferries
The initiative aims to replace diesel dependency, lowering operational costs for island resorts and coastal communities
An MoU has been signed to engage stakeholders, policymakers, and resort owners to demonstrate the benefits of fossil-free transport
Sweden’s Candela, Singapore’s Canopy Power, and Norway’s Ocean Sun are bringing their strengths together to establish charging power stations powered by floating solar panels in remote locations in the Asia Pacific region.
The idea is to 'free' the islands from dependence on diesel generators by enabling a fossil-fuel-free transport ecosystem for island resorts and coastal communities.
Microgrid specialist Canopy Power will design microgrids using power from floating solar panels mounted on Ocean Sun’s patented hydro-elastic membranes. Power generated by the microgrid will then be used to fast-charge Candela’s P-12 electric ferry.
Candela says its P-12 vessel ‘flies’ above the waves on computer-guided hydrofoils that use 80% less energy than traditional hulls. It claims this to be the 1st electric ferry capable of long operational ranges at high speeds. These eliminate noise, vibration, and smell of traditional diesel-operated vehicles, to protect fragile marine environments that essentially attract tourists.
Calling fossil fuel dependency the single biggest cost driver for remote island operators, Björn Antonsson, Regional CEO for APAC at Candela, said, “We aren’t just selling a boat; we are offering a way to turn sunlight into silent, luxurious high-speed transport that pays for itself through fuel savings.”
Canopy and Candela have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work with stakeholders, policymakers, and resort owners to show that using electric hydrofoiling boats powered by on-site renewable energy can cut operating costs compared to diesel boats.
“The combination of the floating charging station solution with Candela’s ultra-efficient electric vessels is a game changer for the region,” added Mahasti Motazedi, Strategy Director at Canopy Power. “For the first time, we are enabling island resorts to adopt a sustainable and clean water mobility solution, eliminating reliance on diesel.”
