After the rise of CHP, it is now time for CSP, according to Vincent van Daalen, an entrepreneur from Westland. His start-up from the town of Maasdijk will soon introduce the FLOTAR. “Our innovation will turn a reservoir into a renewable energy source and will most of all reduce algae pressure and water evaporation”, according to Van Daalen.
FLOTAR is a 100% Dutch innovation made by start-up company Profloating. Eco-entrepreneur Vincent van Daalen: “Solar parks on land are often a problem in densely populated European countries. They take up space that could be used for agriculture and are unpleasant to look at. Wetlands in the Netherlands are a perfect alternative with chances for both people and environment. Our innovation of floating solar panels is green in four ways. We generate green solar energy, are 100% recyclable, create floating green zones and protect against water evaporation or even improve water quality. It is the best way to create support and to preserve fast and in a profitable way to ensure we can reach our climate targets. But most of all floating solar panels generate more energy than panels on land.”
Floating solar parks open new possibilities for dual business models. For instance, a salmon farmer or a horticulturist with a water reservoir that uses our floating panels now has the opportunity to function as energy provider. Interest from warmer countries is mainly due to the fact that the FLOTAR panels limit water evaporation and in doing so protect water sources and decrease algae pressure.
Van Daalen: “Evaporating water sources is a global problem. With the floating solar panels, we can actively contribute to a better environment by, among others, water protection. The system we use can be combined like a LEGO structure so that it can be flexibly used in different circumstances. What is noticeable is that our system can also be used for planting on water. We are not an annoyance in the field of view like current solar parks on land, but instead improve it. This is the reason landscaping architects and artists also know to find us for green art that generates power.”
Renewable energy
In 2030, the European Union wants to generate at least 27 percent of energy from renewable energy sources. To reach the goals of the Energy Roadmap 2050, a hundred times more solar power is needed than is currently generated. To achieve this, generation needs to be boosted a lot. Floating energy and sustainable projects are growing in popularity. Over two thirds of earth’s surface is water. In the Netherlands over 18% of the country consists of water surface. This offers new opportunities to reach climate targets if the projects find a balance for both environment and people. Profloating has the goal to make our world more sustainable fast and is the first Dutch company that offers circular floating solutions to this scale.
For more information:
Profloating