This country hopes to have the plant ready in 3 years, which can generate up to 15% more energy than other panels

Solar power is increasingly taking force. Countries see this as a friendly source to the environment, which does not have as many side effects as hydropower.

European countries have been characterized by innovation and commitment to the environment. Recently, Norway announced that it will convert its entire fleet of electric aircraft on domestic routes.

Now, the Netherlands announced that it will create the first solar platform at sea. The government plans to install this new plant in the North Sea, 15 kilometers from Scheveningen (in the district of The Hague) and would be the first solar energy project designed to withstand strong waves and winds. This new project could reduce the high dependence of the country with traditional energy sources, such as gas.

Precisely, this initiative diversifies the energy supply that Holland has. Traditionally, the Netherlands has bet on wind power to boost its railways. Also, this type of energy supplies electricity to nearly 1.5 million people through the wind farm Gemini.

The project was presented by a consortium of 6 companies, which will have financial support from the Dutch government. According to one of these companies, Oceans of Energy, and the University of Utrecht, this plant can generate up to 15% more energy that is achieved on earth.

One of the most striking advantages is that, according to the University of Utrecht, with the completed plant it will be possible to cover 75% energy demanded in the country.

This company is already recognized by building a platform in the Wadden Sea, between the Netherlands and Germany, which is capable of producing electrical energy from the tide. Allard van Hoeke, CEO of Oceans of Energy, told the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the company makes this decision looking for alternative energy sources when land is scarce.

This is the first time a solar plant is built on the open sea, as these conditions present difficulties for solar power plants. For example, waves and ocean salinity can affect panels. However, this is not the first solar plant on water. Last year, China opened a solar plant on an old coal mine flooded.

According to the Spanish daily, planet earth receives about 89,000 terawatt from the sun, which represents 6,000 times the energy consumed worldwide (approximately 16 terawatts). Even, it is estimated that locating six large solar parks around the world (where at least one of them is receiving solar energy at all times) could meet global demand.

It is important to highlight that with an offshore plant landscape is not affected, the area can be designated for other items such as housing or agriculture. In addition, countries could use water from hydropower, which have great uses.

Latin American Post | Santiago Gómez Hernández
Translated from “Holanda tendrá la primera planta de energía solar en el mar”