Equinor and Saipem test offshore solar in Norwegian Sea

The two companies are partnering to test an offshore floating solar array off the island of Froya, near Trondheim, in the Norwegian Sea. The tests will be done under harsh weather conditions for at least one year. The system will be based on a floating solar technology developed by a unit of Saipem. The installation will be built by late summer and the solar panels will be installed at a height of less than 3 meters above the water surface, Equinor will then assess the plant’s power production to determine how harsh weather conditions and rough waters affect its performance. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate is currently reviewing the project for approval.