BlueNewables has completed a 1 MW floating marine solar demonstrator at the Port of Valencia, with support from Naturgy
The project uses two 500 kW platforms based on the company’s PV-bos technology
The companies will exchange technical, operational, and economic data over two years to evaluate the technology’s potential
Spanish marine renewable energy developer BlueNewables has completed the installation of a 1 MW floating solar pilot project at the Port of Valencia. Developed with support from energy company Naturgy, the project comprises two 500 kW platforms and is now entering its testing and monitoring phase.
According to BlueNewables, it is Spain’s first pre-commercial marine solar pilot project. The company will use the installation to study the technology’s performance and maintenance needs in a real marine environment, as well as how it integrates into port areas.
The platforms use the company’s PhotoVoltaic-BlueNewables Offshore Solutions (PV-bos) technology. Built at the San Enrique shipyard in Vigo, they are named Paiporta and Catarroja after two Valencian municipalities affected by the 2024 DANA storm.
According to BlueNewables, the modular platform design supports manufacturing at scale and can be adapted to different project sizes and sites. The company sees potential for its use in ports, islands and coastal areas where land for solar installations is scarce or costly.
Naturgy and BlueNewables will exchange technical, operational and economic information from the project over two years, covering testing and subsequent monitoring.
The project is part of RENMARINAS VALENCIAPORT, an initiative funded by Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) through European Union NextGenerationEU funds. The Port Authority of Valencia has developed the testing area and associated infrastructure. It is also developing a grid-connected testing platform for marine renewable energy demonstrators, which BlueNewables says will remain available for future projects.
