The experts at Noria Energy have created a remarkable 1.5 MW floating solar project, setting a new record as the largest of its kind in South America.
Colombia’s Urrá Dam is a cutting-edge solution to enhance energy reliability and increase production by integrating a floating solar power system on its reservoir. This innovative approach proves that hydroelectric dams, which experience varying water levels, can be effectively combined with floating solar generation.
Previously, Noria Energy has also developed a substantial floating solar system in North America, with an impressive capacity of 4.78 MW. This system serves as a reliable source of electricity, providing approximately 8% of the electricity supply for the city of Healdsburg, California.
Apart from increasing the overall generating capacity of hydroelectric dams, Noria’s floating solar systems play a crucial role in maintaining an uninterrupted power supply during situations such as low water levels or adverse conditions that usually limit hydroelectric output. These innovative systems are engineered to sit on the water’s surface and can withstand significant water-level fluctuations of up to 120 feet.
Floating solar facilities also help in sidestepping potential conflicts over land use. Additionally, the strategic integration of these floating solar systems with dams leverages the existing interconnection and energy infrastructure. This collaborative effort involves Noria Energy, in partnership with 1Solution, DISICO S.A, G&C, Isigenere, and Seaflex. Together, they conceived, designed, developed, and installed the floating photovoltaic system as a pioneering pilot project for URRÁ S.A. E.S.P., an independent power producer.
The Urrá pilot project, named Aquasol, is now operational at the Urrá hydropower plant. It has a capacity of 340 MW and is located in the Sinú River basin in Córdoba. Aquasol contains over 2,800 solar modules. In its initial year of operation, it is expected to generate approximately 2,400 MWh of electricity, enough to offset the energy demands of operating the dam. Moreover, Aquasol is estimated to prevent the emission of more than 1,540 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Over a span of 20 years, this floating solar system is expected to generate over $1.2 million in additional electric power revenue.
As a key participant in the pilot project, Noria Energy will play a crucial role in conducting a comparison between Aquasol’s production and efficiency and that of a ground-mounted solar system situated on the shore. It will also use data obtained from Aquasol to design and model larger-scale modules for maximizing the electricity generation capacity of floating solar and hydroelectric dams.
“Worldwide, around 60% of renewable energy comes from hydropower. That represents countless opportunities to deploy floating solar that can maximize zero-emission energy generation and diversify clean energy sources,” said Noria Energy CEO Jonathan Wank.
“URRÁ seeks to incorporate innovation and sustainable development in all its operations. We are very proud that Aquasol is the largest floating photovoltaic plant built at a reservoir of a hydroelectric power plant in South America to date,” said Rafael Amaya del Vecchio, president of URRÁ S. A. E.S.P. “URRÁ thanks Noria for leading the design of the photovoltaic system and the other companies of the Aquasol consortium for helping us make this project a reality.”
“Our technology demonstrates that we can expand solar’s reach and reimagine its power to address critical energy needs. I’m thrilled that my home country is hosting this innovative project,” said Colombia native Jairo Criollo, Noria’s co-founder and head of business development. “What we have learned from this project will help us develop other Aquasol projects in Colombia and around the world.”
