STORY / PUBLIC SOURCE RECORD
Vast Norwegian expertise perfect for floating solar
- Published 17 October 2023; updated 21 September 2026; estimated reading time 4 minutes. The article argues that Norway’s maritime, offshore and energy experience positions its companies to develop floating solar. It cites a 2022 global addition of 239 GW of solar capacity (45% above 2021) and a 2023 forecast of 341 GW of additions (43% growth); these are historical figures and forecasts reproduced by the page, not current market data. It also cites the then-current Norwegian target of 8 TWh of solar by 2030 and a Multiconsult assessment that the target was achievable and could integrate with the grid.
- Floating solar consists of panel arrays on floating structures, deployed offshore or on inland water. The article presents water-based installations as a response to land constraints near cities, with possible shorter links to coastal populations and urban demand, while leaving land available for uses such as food production. Norwegian Solar Energy Cluster CEO Trine Kopstad Berentsen says the approach could become more economical than acquiring expensive land.
- Site assessment and engineering must account for water conditions and determine construction, mooring and anchoring from local data. Norwegian company Glint Solar provides analysis tools for evaluating candidate sites. Exposure to waves, saltwater and severe weather is presented as a technical challenge and a potential fit for Norway’s offshore, aquaculture and energy capabilities; companies named include Equinor and Statkraft.
- The article describes domestic power uses including nearby towns, electric ferries and commercial buildings, as well as delivery through energy suppliers. Internationally, hydropower reservoirs could host floating solar and reuse grid connections. It profiles Norwegian Ocean Sun, whose patented platform is inspired by aquaculture, and reports that Ocean Sun and Statkraft installed three additional floating units at Albania’s Banja reservoir, bringing the project to 2 MWp. Berentsen says the strongest market opportunity is overseas, particularly Asia, where large floating solar parks already existed at publication time.
- The Norwegian Solar Energy Cluster is described as coordinating industry collaboration to present a united offer internationally. Related link: Energy industry page. Named interviewee: Trine Kopstad Berentsen, CEO of the Norwegian Solar Energy Cluster; no direct contact block is shown.