Germany’s largest floating photovoltaic plant has been built on an artificial lake, the Baggersee Maiwald in the municipality of Renchen near Achern. Only two percent of the lake area is covered by the PV modules, wherewith a total of 750 kWp of Suntech’s high-efficiency polycrystalline PV modules with IP68 waterproof rating, ensures the power plant can continuously deliver around 800,000 kWh of green electricity per year.
Application scenarios of new photovoltaic technology
Armin Ossola and Erdgas Südwest, have realized this project together and set a new example for the energy transition with PV modules from Suntech. The gravel works operator Armin Ossola, can use around two-thirds of this electricity because the load profile of its large electricity-operated equipment is a good match for the production times of the photovoltaic power plant. The other third, produced at weekends, for example, is fed into the public grid and distributed directly by project partner Erdgas Südwest.
“By using the green electricity I produce myself, I can significantly reduce my electricity costs and use the existing flooded gravel pit for more climate protection”, Armin Ossola explained. This changeover will save around 560,000 kilograms of harmful CO2 per year. “I have found a very competent partner in Erdgas Südwest, whom I worked with to develop the idea and make it a reality.”
As a trusted PV brand and reliable partner, Suntech is enjoying a good reputation in the German market, producing PV modules not only with better performance but also reliable quality. The successfully completed floating photovoltaic plant reinforces partnership with Erdgas Südwest and Ossola, and further strengthens Suntech´s position in the German PV market.
Mr. Vincent Cao, Vice President of Suntech, said “Since launching 19 years ago, Suntech has striven to deliver high-quality, reliable and cost-effective PV products. Suntech will keep on developing German market to wholeheartedly provide high cost performance for customers.”
New trends in the future development
Compared with traditional ones, floating power plant with PV modules installed on floating structures, not only does not occupy land resources but also limit water evaporation. On the other hand, such PV power plant that can shade some sunlight may effectively inhibit the growth of plankton, thus partly protecting the aquatic environment. At the same time, the cooling effect of water bodies on PV modules and cables can significantly enhance the efficiency of power generation.
The floating power plant constantly supplies clean energy to the local area, and meanwhile, realize further promotes the adjustment of industry structure in a traditional German industrial and drives the development of the local PV-related industrial chain.
About OSSOLA GmbH
The name OSSOLA represents two major branches of the construction industry. Building materials plants such as the Achern-Maiwald gravel works produce building materials that are mainly used in road construction, such as asphalt, gravel, hard core, sand, crushed stone and ready-mix concrete. The road construction segment builds roads of all kinds and develops construction and industrial areas. OSSOLA GmbH is a member of the Industrieverband Steine und Erden Baden-Württemberg e.V., Ostfildern.
About Erdgas Südwest GmbH
Erdgas Südwest is a service provider with its roots in the region and operations nationwide, based in Ettlingen and Munderkingen. Erdgas Südwest follows the idea of a close and sustainable energy supply with electricity and gas with the motto “Creating a natural future”. Green gases play a key role in the strategic focus on sustainability and renewable energies. Its subsidiaries bmp greengas GmbH, one of Germany’s largest biomethane distributors, and Netze-Gesellschaft Südwest mbH make a vital contribution to the development of such products. In addition, Erdgas Südwest is committed to the Voluntary Ecological Year voluntary service through the ProNatur initiative, with two positions and numerous projects on biodiversity, environmental education and flowering and orchard meadows for genuine environmental protection in the region.