Belectric, a German based company, is further increasing its footprint in Israel’s growing solar industry by building a floating PV project on behalf of EDF. Belectric’s Israeli subsidiary will carry out the engineering, construction and commissioning work for the 19.3 MW plant, which is one of the largest plants of its kind in Israel, located in northern Israel on a water reservoir for fish farming pools near the Kibbutz Lohamei HaGeta'ot.
Construction works are expected to start in early summer with commissioning planned to be reached by end of this year. Belectric will also take on the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the floating solar project.
Anchoring system for the floating PV plant especially designed
“Floating PV installations open up new opportunities for solar, especially in countries with high population density and competing uses for available land”, explains Ingo Alphéus, CEO of Belectric Solar & Battery. “After our successful entry into this fast-growing market last year, we are pleased to have been awarded this benchmark project.”
Each of the more than 47,700 PV modules will be individually mounted on a floating platform and connected to a rapid shut down device to increase electrical safety whilst operating the fishing ponds during the O&M phase. The PV system is connected to the mainland via floating marine grade power lines. The floating platform itself is held in place by an anchoring and mooring system with direct rammed piers as well as under water concrete blocks. The complex anchoring system was especially designed by Belectric.
Water cools the panels
“This project, a first of many to come, allows us, in cooperation with Belectric to implement many new technologies, design concepts and construction methods”, says Avner Arad, Deputy CEO of EDF Renewable Israel. “This will allow us to improve Floating PV competitiveness, which with its other benefits, has the potential to drastically expand Israel’s renewable energy landscape.”
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“This is already our second floating PV project we are realizing for customers in Israel. The greatest advantage of floating solar is that it reduces land utilization and site preparation issues associated with traditional solar installations. An additional benefit is that the water cools the panels naturally, which should increase their efficiency”, adds Anna Velikansky, Managing Director of Belectric Israel.
34 solar projects with 500 MW realized
Belectric Israel has already realized 34 solar projects in the country with a total capacity of around 500 MW. Among them Israel’s largest solar project to date. With an installed capacity of 120 MW the solar plant near the village of Zeélim produces more than 220 gigawatt hours of green electricity per year. The plant reached commercial operation Mid October 2019. (hcn)
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