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Hidroelectrica set to launch construction of its first floating solar power plant

Romanian state-owned hydropower operator Hidroelectrica has selected a contractor for its inaugural 10 MW floating solar power plant, which will be located on the reservoir of the Ipotești hydroelectric plant.

Source: Balkan Green Energy News

Contract Awarded for Proiect Pilot Nufărul

The contract for the construction of the Proiect Pilot Nufărul floating photovoltaic system has been awarded. This pilot project could pave the way for additional installations along the Olt River, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co.

The pilot floating plant is part of a broader initiative aimed at integrating photovoltaic technology with hydropower.

Notably, last month, Hidroelectrica also selected a contractor to install solar panels on the roofs of its 20 hydroelectric plants situated in the middle and downstream sections of the Olt River.

Pilot Project Details

The site for this 10 MW pilot project is the reservoir of the 57 MW Ipotești hydropower plant. Hidroelectrica conducted a tender process for procurement, valuing the project at EUR 9.3 million, excluding value-added tax. The contract was awarded to Waldevar Energy, which secured the deal with a bid of EUR 7.7 million, excluding VAT.

The firm will collaborate with subcontractors Marine Research, S.C. DHI-SW Project, and Makor Energy Solutions.

Implementation of the project is expected to be completed within 14 months, with the construction phase lasting approximately ten months.

Learning and Replication Goals

The floating power plant will feature bifacial photovoltaic panels rated at 620 W, 100 kW inverters, energy optimizers, and four transformer stations. The annual output is estimated to reach 13.4 GWh, with floaters crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The facility will connect to the grid through the Ipotești hydropower plant.

Hidroelectrica aims to diversify its production portfolio and leverage the synergies between solar and hydropower. The state-owned operator is keen to gain knowledge from the construction and operation of this pilot system, intending to replicate the model in other locations.

The turnkey contract encompasses design, procurement, assembly, installation, testing, and commissioning.

Hidroelectrica currently operates 188 plants with a total capacity of 6.4 GW, alongside one wind farm, Crucea Nord, which has a capacity of 108 MW.

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