Solar Energy
The floating solar platform Paiporta was launched into the sea in Vigo, Spain, on May 18, 2026, to test a technology that combines bifacial panels, floating modules, and renewable generation in coastal and port areas.
Developed by BlueNewables, a company based in Tenerife, the PV-bos solution, acronym for PhotoVoltaic-BlueNewables Offshore Solutions, was designed to operate in the maritime environment. The structure left the San Enrique shipyard facilities after a hoisting maneuver with large cranes.
In the coming weeks, engineers are expected to complete commissioning and final preparations. After that, the platform will be towed to Valencia, where it will undergo operational validation in open sea.
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The project targets a growing problem of solar expansion: competition for available land areas. By bringing photovoltaic generation to coastal waters and port zones, the company attempts to utilize underused marine spaces.
The floating solar platform uses bifacial solar panels and modular structures. The proposal also paves the way for hybrid systems, as BlueNewables assesses that such platforms can operate alongside offshore floating wind farms, sharing infrastructure and expanding generation in a single location.
The name Paiporta honors the victims of the DANA storm, which hit the Valencian Community on October 29, 2024. The disaster left 223 dead and displaced 15,000 residents, making the municipality a symbol of the tragedy.
For the San Enrique Shipyard, the launch also represents an opportunity for the Spanish naval industry to enter the renewables sector. The project received support from IDAE, through the RENMARINAS program, in addition to collaboration from SOERMAR and the shipyard itself.
The stage in Valencia will indicate how the system behaves outside the controlled environment of the shipyard.
Journalist specializing in a wide variety of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, naval industry, geopolitics, renewable energy, and economics. Active since 2015, with prominent publications on major news portals. My background in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10,000 articles published in renowned outlets, I always aim to provide detailed information and relevant insights for the reader.
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