Norwegian company Fred. Olsen 1848 has reached a key milestone in the development of its floating PV technology, with its Brizo system being evaluated by classification and certification body DNV.
According to pv-magazine, designed for dynamic marine environments, Brizo uses a pre-tensioned cable grid to ensure system stability.
Each float is individually moored to the grid, preventing load transfer between elements. In high winds, the floats are forced closer to the water surface, contributing to overall array stability. Polyethylene tubes act as interfaces between the anchoring system and the grid, adding flexibility and protecting the structure from short, steep waves. Interconnecting lines distribute loads evenly across the system to reduce the risk of chain failure.
DNV’s validation covered design methodologies, hydrodynamic load assessments based on physical scale-model testing, structural behaviour, and testing procedures, supporting the transition from pilot development toward commercial deployment.
Fred. Olsen 1848 says Brizo is designed to withstand waves of up to 3.5 meters. The system remains in pilot testing and ongoing development, with further component validation planned as the project advances.
Earlier this year, the company launched a pilot installation in Portugal at the EDP Floating PV Lab, Europe’s first publicly accessible floating solar and hydropower test facility. The site will host an installation featuring four automatic tensioning buoys for one year in a reservoir characterized by significant water level fluctuations and variable bathymetry.
