Merganser is an offshore solar project. It is a new and scalable concept consisting of six interconnected platforms that can withstand extreme offshore conditions such as high waves, strong winds and a corrosive environment. The project was installed off the coast of Scheveningen in the Dutch North Sea in July 2024.
Project status: In operation
In partnership with SolarDuck, RWE has installed the full-scale offshore pilot project Merganser with a nominal capacity of 0.5MWp.
The project provides RWE and SolarDuck with important first-hand experience in one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world. These unique lessons will accelerate the commercialisation of large-scale offshore solar power.
As part of the Merganser pilot project, SolarDuck is collaborating with maritime research institutes, including: Delft University of Technology, TNO, MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) and Deltares to better understand the corrosion resistance of the solar and electrical systems, UV degradation of the synthetic anchors, deposition on the floats and the impact of offshore solar energy on the North Sea ecosystem.
SolarDuck's unique triangular platform, the first in the world to be certified by Bureau Veritas for offshore floating solar, is designed to float several metres above the water and follow the waves like a carpet. This keeps critical electrical components dry, clean and stable, and ensures the integrity of the semi-submersible structure, while allowing safe operations and minimal maintenance.
capacity
off the Scheveningen coast
water depth
RWE is also working with SolarDuck on a 5MWp offshore solar project to be installed as part of our OranjeWind offshore wind farm in the Netherlands, helping us realise our perfect match of supply and demand.
Building on our collaboration with the Merganser project and Oranjewind, RWE and SolarDuck will explore new opportunities with the aim of developing commercial offshore floating solar farms, both stand-alone and hybrid, in combination with other forms of renewable energy.
