Source: UNITED
Introduction
This multi-use, combining offshore seaweed and floating solar energy, was developed within the framework of the UNITED project and is located 12 km off the coast of Scheveningen (the Hague).
The size of the offshore test site is 600 ha, split up into 6 plots of 100ha each. 2 pilots are used in UNITED: one for seaweed cultivation (Seaweed Company) and one for floating solar (Oceans of Energy). The objective of the pilot was to test offshore production of both aquaculture and solar energy for potential implementation in offshore wind farms. It aimed to demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility and viability of offshore production.
The pilot provided the first test for offshore floating solar technologies, usually developed near the coast or lakes. It also provided opportunities to support the development of seaweed, which remains so far an untapped resource and could benefit from the space offered by offshore wind farms.
Within UNITED, Oceans of Energy worked together with The Seaweed Company. The North Sea Farmers Offshore Test Site was home to the offshore solar energy pilot led by Oceans of Energy, providing an offshore incubator and independent test site. Oceans of Energy started using this Offshore Test Site in 2020, and now has 3 years of operational experience. A cooperation agreement was established including aspects related to the conditions for using the test location, safety and insurance, communication and finance.
A permit process was developed by the North Sea Farmers through an automatic application form to get the permission to go to the Offshore Test Site. All the approved work permits are logged in a database, including date, partner, plot, type of activity, vessel, captain, crew, visitors, offshore & onshore standby contacts, etc.
Relevant links
For more information please visit the UNITED Dutch pilot webpage.
View the pilot’s commercialization flyer
Contacts
Zinzi Reimert
Eef Brouwer