SINN is a German company that first introduced its floating hybrid renewable energy platform in 2020. Recently the company is in the headlines of the renewable energy industry. The talk is all about the company’s so-named Ocean Hybrid Platform.

The platform is just like a Swiss Knife of clean energy as it combines all wind, solar and wave energy in one package.

Renewable Energy, Saltwater Edition

The new hubbub over SINN Power’s floating clean power contraption was probably sparked by an article posted on the company’s website earlier this week.

In the article, SINN Power notes that the idea of floating solar arrays on freshwater bodies has taken off like a rocket in recent years, but is not so easily transferred to the ocean environment, which can be somewhat more hostile.

Seawater floating is a newbie in the market whereas freshwater floating PV is being installed in more than 40 countries. Seawater comes with its own challenge of harsh environment confrontation which increases the chance of failing the system.

A global estimate is yet to be forthcoming, but SINN points out that the offshore solar potential for The Netherlands alone is 45 gigawatts.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH FLOATING SOLAR PANELS?

There is nothing wrong with floating solar panels. Moreover, when installed in reservoirs and other freshwater infrastructure, they help conserve water by reducing evaporation.

However, as SINN points out, the technology used on freshwater bodies does not require hardening against waves and other stormy conditions typical of ocean environments or, for that matter, large lakes.

“As the possibility of extreme weather events rises, these systems are in danger of failing. Depending on the extent of damage, consequences will range from loss of revenue up to a complete loss of investment. Therefore, current freshwater solutions face restrictions in deployments at sea, partly even in protected coastal areas and big lakes,” SINN emphasizes.

It offers a flexible design capable to accommodate waves of heights up to 12 meters and wind speeds of 27 meters/second. Also, the skeleton alone can take on the wind of 60 meters per second speed.

Reference: Clean Technica