EPH Develops Germany’s Largest Floating Solar Plant
3. 10. 2023
EPH, the parent company of EP New Energies GmbH (EPNE), is proud to announce a significant milestone in commitment to sustainable energy. We started construction for Germany’s largest floating solar plant on the Cottbuser Ostsee lake in the Lausitz region. This endeavour aligns with our vision of transforming Lausitz region into a green powerhouse and sets the stage for future renewable projects around the area.
One key aspect of this initiative is its potential to combat the overheating of lakes, which is critical for the welfare of organisms like fish or bacteria in the ecosystem. By harnessing a combination of floating PV, wind power, and lake thermal energy, the Cottbus Ostsee region is poised to become a role model for sustainable energy supply. The floating solar plant would be not only the largest in Germany but also one of five biggest floating solar projects in Europe.
The innovative mooring system, using a pile-based anchoring system, that is derived from the technology successfully used in harbours, is a technological highlight of this project. This approach ensures very reliable, low-maintenance anchoring that reduces the need for anchor chains, and aligns with the lake’s tourism objectives.
We have worked diligently to overcome regulatory hurdles and ensure that lakes in recultivated open pits are recognized as conversion areas, making it easier to achieve the federal government’s renewables expansion goals. Our commitment to deliver sustainable green energy will enhance the quality of life for all residents living around the site.
In partnership with EPNE, we’ve scaled the floating solar plant’s output to 29 MW, which will generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of around 8,250 households while not using any land areas that can be used otherwise. The leading scale of this still relatively innovative technology underscores our dedication to delivering state-of-art green energy solutions.
As we move forward, the floating solar plant system is expected to be operational by the second half of 2024, marking a significant step towards a sustainable and climate-friendly future for the region and its inhabitants.