RWE announced the inauguration of a floating solar plant on the Mortkasee artificial lake in Lohsa, Saxony, as part of the “PV2Float” research project.
The initiative is a collaboration between RWE, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), and Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU). Sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the project explores innovative renewable energy solutions while focusing on environmental sustainability.
Over 190 floating solar modules have been installed, testing three different systems with a capacity of about 30 kW each.
The project aims to enhance the technical performance of floating photovoltaic systems, reduce costs, and ensure compatibility with aquatic ecosystems.
The pilot plant will run until the end of 2027, gathering insights for larger-scale installations.
The inauguration was attended by officials from science, industry, and politics, including Thomas Leberecht, the mayor of Lohsa, and representatives from the Saxon Ministry of Energy, Climate Protection, Environment, and Agriculture. Citizens also participated, learning about the potential of floating solar technology.
Mayor Thomas Leberecht remarked on the unique history of Mortkasee, a former lignite mine transformed into a research hub for renewable energy. He highlighted the technology’s promise of higher efficiency, supported by the cooling effect of the water, and its potential to repurpose mine lakes for green electricity generation.
RWE, leveraging its experience with floating solar plants in the Netherlands, partnered with Fraunhofer ISE, Europe’s largest solar research institute, and BTU, which brings expertise in aquatic ecology. They aim to refine floating solar solutions while fostering public acceptance.