Germany Unveils Largest Floating Photovoltaic Power System in Baden-Württemberg

Germany's largest floating photovoltaic power generation system was officially launched on the 21st in Bad Schönbrunn, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This initiative aims to harness the potential of solar energy and support Germany's energy transition.

According to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the floating photovoltaic system is situated on an artificial lake formed by sand and stone extraction. It features over 27,000 solar panels, covering an area of 8 hectares and boasting an installed capacity of 15 megawatts. Planning for the project began in 2021, with construction commencing in mid-February of this year. The operator, O&L New Century Company, reported that the system has been operational since August 1st, supplying electricity to the quarry while excess power is fed into the grid. The project is expected to generate around 16 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Winfried Kretschmann, the governor of Baden-Württemberg, emphasized the importance of leveraging all available resources for a successful energy transition, highlighting the role of floating photovoltaic systems.

This marks the third floating photovoltaic installation in the state. Floating photovoltaic systems work by mounting solar panels on the water's surface and connecting them via underwater cables, enabling efficient electricity generation while conserving land resources. The water storage sand pit in the quarry provides an optimal site for installation, minimizing land use and supplying substantial electricity for the quarry's operations.