The floating solar panels could be used in windy conditions. (Image Credit: Saipem)
Norwegian oil group Equinor and Saipem, an Italian oil and gas contractor, have recently signed an agreement to develop a floating solar panel park technological solution for near-coastal applications. Project developments will be based on technology created by Moss Maritine, a subsidiary of Saipem's XSIGHT division that provides engineering services. The goal is to create a modularized system designed for easy fabrication, transportation and onsite installation.
The technology offers some key advantages that are commonly used in solar photovoltaic solutions for calm sea conditions. It could also be applied in areas where there are rough weather conditions and where there are no large water reservoirs.
As part of their collaboration agreement, both Equinor and Moss Maritime will use their experience and knowledge to continue developing the concept in a competitive and inexpensive approach that will meet the demand for renewable energy solutions. "The ambition is to be one of the leading providers of near coastal and offshore solutions for floating solar panel parks," the company said.
"The agreement with Equinor goes in the direction taken by Saipem and Moss Maritime towards the development of new technologies related to clean energy. Moss Maritime is constantly looking for opportunities where to apply its expertise in engineering design and services also in the renewable energy sector". Ida Husem, CEO of Moss Maritime, said:
SolarPower Europe is a new company that promotes agrivoltaic technology, which combines solar energy and agriculture to reduce water consumption, yield agriculture crops, and generate renewable electricity. The company also says local agriculture and solar energy could contribute in a major way to Europe's economy. Those who use agrivoltaics around the world can expect 60% increase in arable land productivity by combining solar with farming.
If there's a positive outlook surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that it's playing a role in how we consume energy while addressing climate change around the world, now and in the future. The majority of these changes don't bode well when it comes to addressing climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy.
Carbon dioxide emissions around the world are likely to be reduced this year due to the plummeting economy around the globe. It's a by-product of bad circumstances, which won't last. Oil and gas industries are also taking a big hit, and as a result, their prices have been dropping. Three factors have contributed to this, which includes an abundant supply, major economics being shut down by the coronavirus causing less demand, and a supply and price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, which reduced prices. As a result, smaller companies may either shrink or go bankrupt, while larger companies may see more value in renewable investments. Since borders around the world have been closing, wind and solar companies are warning about supply chains halting and tax uncertainties.
There will also be a decline in energy consumption in commercial (25% decrease) and educational buildings (30% decrease) since they aren't in use. Residential energy consumption is likely to increase by 6%-8%.
We can also expect some changes in the future. Once humans start working and traveling normally again, we can expect companies to continue with remote meetings, panels and other events. This could impact energy consumption, especially when it comes to transportation in the future.
Now that the world is likely heading in a recession, climate change issues are likely to be delayed. This is mainly because China is considering relaxing car pollution rules, and the Eurasia said: "Coronavirus will shift global attention and resources away from addressing climate change."
The International Energy Agency has been urging governments around the globe to include clean energy into any economic stimulus plans. It hasn't happened yet, but the renewable energy industry is asking congress for help in any stimulus package the government passes. Democrats are also getting involved by calling on climate-change conditions for airline bailouts.
Before the coronavirus hit, countries around the world were focusing on going nationalistic, but now those same countries have closed their borders and are dealing with domestic issues and the outbreak. This, in turn, is affecting countries that produce oil.
Who knows the direction the US will take on climate issues in the coming years. Ethan Zindler, head of Americas for BloombergNEF said it best, "The 2009 Recovery Act was the single most important piece of federal legislation ever to help the clean energy sector."
However, by the time anything like this happens, the economy could already be on the mend, which still may take awhile.
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