A Comprehensive Review of Floating Solar Plants and Potentials for Offshore Applications

Abstract

Fossil fuel consumption has progressively increased alongside global population growth, representing the predominant energy consumption pattern for humanity. Unfortunately, this persistent reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in a substantial surge in pollution emissions, exerting a detrimental influence on the delicate ecological balance. Therefore, it is imperative to find new renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Solar energy is a clean energy source and has become the most preferred option for human day-to-day needs. Since the construction of the world’s first floating photovoltaic power station, humanity has been continuously advancing the technology of power generation by floating photovoltaics. This review comprehensively elucidates the progression of offshore photovoltaic technology and illustrates the composition of the floating photovoltaic system. Each section meticulously contrasts the advantages and drawbacks of various photovoltaic systems. In addition, an in-depth analysis of the offshore photovoltaic application potentials is conducted based on fundamental theories, thereby offering valuable insights for future research. Finally, an encompassing summary of the potential challenges associated with deep-sea floating photovoltaic systems is presented.

Marine Infrastructure Detection with Satellite Data—A Review

“…Other types of infrastructure at sea are already planned or under construction. These include, for example, floating solar panels such as those in Singapore [119], energy islands such as those planned in the North Sea and Baltic Sea [120], oil infrastructure and storage islands such as those already built in the Persian Gulf [121] and further sand fillings on atolls for the construction of offshore infrastructure [8]. Offshore oil and gas platforms likely will expand into the Arctic and Antarctic regions as the ice melts [6].…”