Ocean Sun and UAPÊ reach first power milestone for floating solar project in Brazil
Ocean Sun AS and UAPÊ Energias Solares are pleased to announce that the 300kWp floating solar project in Pindamonhangaba, Brazil, has achieved first power. The installation uses Ocean Sun's patented membrane-based floating solar technology.
The R&D project is supported by the Research Council of Norway and Brazil's FINEP and brings together Ocean Sun with Brazilian partners UAPÊ Energias Solares and Sansuy S.A.
"Reaching first power at Pinda is an important milestone for Ocean Sun. Brazil represents a significant market for floating solar, and having our technology now producing electricity in the country gives us an important reference as we work to develop further opportunities. I look forward to visiting the project for the official inauguration in November," says Kristian Tørvold, CEO of Ocean Sun.
The project is based on Ocean Sun's OS-48 single ring system and is designed for calm inland waters. The site has room for significant expansion, and Ocean Sun and UAPÊ Energias Solares have signed an MoU to prepare the next phase. "Pinda shows two things: Ocean Sun's technology works in Brazil, and floating solar is an attractive asset class for investors. We have been very impressed by the technology and by the Ocean Sun team, and we see considerable room for it in a market where water, load and grid sit side by side. The site can grow well beyond this first ring, and UAPÊs portfolio is designed to deliver real returns of around 15% a year above inflation. First power is the start, the next projects are already moving towards financial close with selected investors," says Paulo Kessler, CEO of UAPÊ Energias Solares.
The project will provide operational experience under Brazilian conditions and serve as an important reference as the partners explore further opportunities for floating solar in Brazil.
For more information, please contact: Kristian Tørvold, CEO of Ocean Sun, +47 97088847
About UAPÊ Energias Solares: UAPÊ Energias Solares is a Brazilian floating solar developer that turns underutilized water surfaces into generation assets. The company develops its own sites from engineering and permitting through to energization, serving hydropower hybridization, industry, utilities and other large power consumers.
About Ocean Sun: By combining Norwegian maritime expertise and knowledge within photovoltaics, Ocean Sun has developed an innovation that offers a bold solution to our global energy needs. The patented technology is based on solar modules mounted on hydro-elastic membranes and offers cost and performance benefits not seen in any other floating PV system today. With offices in Oslo, Singapore and Shanghai, Ocean Sun is embarking on its vision to be the world's leading technology provider of floating solar.