Article by Elena Rasheva, Managing Partner Evklips Energy.
Evklips Energy is a privately-owned Bulgarian company, specialised in the construction of different types of solar photovoltaic power plants: ground mounted, rooftops, carports, agri-PV and floating-PV. Active in European markets, such as the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France and Belgium, the company provides turnkey services, covering civil, mechanical and electrical works.
Following the EU Council’s vote to raise the bloc’s binding renewable target for 2030 to a minimum of 42.5% (from 32%), the photovoltaic sector in Europe is bound to experience even greater momentum. Public interest is heightened due to new legislation that aims to streamline the procedures for legalising photovoltaics in areas with high energy potential and low environmental risk. Advances in modern technologies servicing the sector further stimulate investors. Furthermore, “niche” projects, such as floating and agri- photovoltaic (agri-PV) plants are gaining more popularity as a solution to the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, at a time when available real estate and land area are becoming scarcer.
Floating photovoltaic plants are not new – the first such plant was built in Japan in 2007, but interest in them has significantly grown in the last two years, with experts foreseeing an annual growth rate of over 20% in global floating PV capacity in the next couple of years.
There are several advantages to this type of installation. First and foremost, by utilising unused water basins, floating photovoltaics contribute to the green energy revolution without requiring vast land areas. On the other hand, the panels act as a barrier between the water and sunlight, reducing evaporation and allowing for water level control. Meanwhile, the water cools the panels, leading to increased productivity. Water quality can also be improved as the panels prevent the growth of certain types of algae. The installation process for floating solar installations differs significantly from "standard" solar parks. In practice, the assembly of panels and structures is done on land. However, the special aspect lies in moving and anchoring the pre-assembled elements in the water.
Evklips Energy has invested a considerable amount of time and resources to initiate its first project using this technology. The company has completed a 22-MWp floating photovoltaic plant in the Netherlands and is executing a 32-MWp installation in Belgium on a drinking water damn. The company’s pipeline includes thee other floating project by mid-2024.
Bulgaria has excellent conditions for the construction of floating photovoltaics. There are many vacant or unused freshwater basins in the country, which are ideal for such installations. However, two main issues persist. The concept and terminology related to this still-niche segment are undefined, and without a legal framework, construction is impossible. On the other hand, the lack of existing plants intimidates Bulgarian investors, who usually require successful examples before investing their funds. A much-needed conversation on an update of the regulatory framework has to be started in order for the Bulgarian market to take advantage of its natural features.