A floating solar farm capable of tracking the sun's rays is being tested in the Netherlands. The prototype, dubbed Proteus, was selected as a finalist for the European Inventor Award, which celebrates the best and most innovative inventions.
Although it was not chosen for the European award, the plant demonstrated its technological potential. Its panels rotate slowly on two axes, using mechanical, geospatial, and light sensors to precisely track the elevation of the sun's path as it moves from east to west. This increases the farm's energy production capacity, allowing it to generate around 73 kilowatts of power.
Proteus is essentially an island of solar panels floating on water, generating renewable energy. The model is 38 meters wide and is equipped with 180 double-sided panels. Each island can be installed in lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. Currently, the plant is being tested at Oostvoornse Meer, a lake in the southwestern Netherlands.
Developed by the Portuguese company Solaris Float, the plant can generate 40% more energy than fixed land-based panels, according to company estimates. Another advantage is that it generates clean, renewable energy without requiring land—a feature with great potential, especially in countries where land use is limited.
In a good location and under normal conditions, seven Proteus islands covering an area of 15,000 m² could generate up to 2 GW per year, enough to power 1.5 million homes.
Aside from the potential visual impact, the company does not foresee any negative environmental impacts. On the contrary, it explains that the plan is to install the system in existing reservoir lakes, which will have the positive effect of reducing evaporation in the body of water due to the shade and wind barrier created by the floating structure.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by Marcia Sousa. The translation is powered by AI.
