BRIZO is a pioneering floating PV technology created to unlock the potential of floating solar. BRIZO’s elegant simplicity enables a new standard of cost efficiency. The modular design makes it suitable for a wide range of commercial applications worldwide.
Designed to Handle Ocean Environments
The main philosophy of the design is to allow the PV modules to move freely and independently within a pre-tensioned rope mesh, while the environmental forces are distributed through the mesh and mooring system. As a result, BRIZO handles both wave and wind loads.
Key components of the floating solar system
Our floating solar system is designed with precision and innovation to ensure the stability needed at sea. Below, you'll find a breakdown of the essential components that make the system able to handle the motion of the ocean:
Pre-tensioned rope mesh
The rope mesh is pre-tensioned to provide stability, and to avoid compression and collision of the floating elements in the system.
Individually anchored floating solar modules
Each floating solar module is individually anchored to the rope mesh. This means that forces will not be transferred from module to module, but rather be distributed in the rope mesh. In strong winds, the individual anchoring ensures the floating solar modules are pulled down towards the sea surface keeping the system stable .
PE pipes
The PE pipes are the interface between the mooring system and the rope mesh. They provide the necessary buoyancy, stiffness, and flexibility for the system, and act as a protective barrier against short and steep waves.
Bridle lines
The bridle lines’ primary role is to distribute the forces effectively and evenly from the mooring lines to the PE pipes. This provides a continuity from the bridle lines to the rope mesh.
Anchoring
BRIZO can employ various anchoring solutions depending on site-specific environmental loads and seabed conditions for the respective floating solar farm.
Understand BRIZO's simplistic yet robust design in our explainer videos:
>> BRIZO EXPLAINED <<
BRIZO’s elegant simplicity enables a new standard of cost efficiency
Making floating PV systems cost-efficient is crucial to realizing the full potential of floating solar on a commercial scale. BRIZO is built on a few easily sourced components by using well-known fabrication methods, automized processes, and off-the-shelf components. BRIZO utilizes an existing global supply chain, which allows for flexibility in sourcing and local content maximization.
• Blow- and injection molding
BRIZO’s design uses well-established fabrication methods, including blow- and injection molding. The floating modules are manufactured using processes akin to those employed in the production of water bottles. Furthermore, the system utilizes recycled materials, and moreover, all components used for BRIZO can be readily recycled at the end of their life cycle.
• Assembly with limited infrastructure
BRIZO offers a distinct advantage in floating solar solutions as it allows assembly in areas with limited space, infrastructure, and without the need for heavy equipment. This makes BRIZO a globally versatile solution, suitable for assembly in diverse locations.
Designed with an integrated solution for operations and maintenance
BRIZO comes with a unique solution for operations and maintenance (O&M). The O&M catamaran has access through the pathways between the solar panels. This allows for component exchange, cleaning, and maintenance directly from the service vessel.
The catamaran's integrated cleaning system further enhances the floating PV technology’s capabilities, as it can efficiently remove debris and contaminants that may accumulate on the floating solar panels, optimizing their performance. This approach minimizes downtime and ensures maximum energy production from the floating solar farm.
Pilot Project of BRIZO
Our pilot project in Risør serves as a testing ground for refining the components of our floating PV technology. Moving forward, the technology behind BRIZO will transition to the next phase, focusing on the foundational design work to facilitate the development of a 3MW first unit project tailored for commercial application. The invaluable insights acquired from deploying and operating our pilot project of BRIZO will be instrumental in optimizing our technology, ensuring that our system is meticulously crafted for commercial viability.
Read more about the pilot project of BRIZO here
BRIZO in details
Robust design
Follows the motion of the ocean
Maintenance
A unique integrated solution
Scalability
With no alterations
BRIZO is Advancing Scalability and Sustainability in Floating Solar Farms
The simple design of BRIZO enables a scalable approach to the deployment of floating solar farms. This flexibility enables easy expansion or downsizing to suit the requirements of each floating solar farm, making BRIZO ideal for large-scale energy productions.
Furthermore, the design philosophy behind the floating PV technology, BRIZO, prioritizes sustainability. The system is designed for easy component recycling, using traceable, easily separable, and environmentally friendly materials, while leveraging the global supply chain and proven manufacturing procedures to offer flexibility.
Sustainability
• All components in the system are tagged and can be easily recycled after decommissioning
• Use of traceable environmental rope from selected suppliers
Local content
• Utilizing the existing global supply chain for the main components – allows flexibility in sourcing
• Utilizing existing and proven manufacturing procedures
Scalability
• The modular design is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications
• Offers a wide range of geographical deployment areas and scalability without design changes
“BRIZO is designed in a very cost-efficient manner to follow the motion of the ocean, even in offshore conditions. We believe BRIZO’s elegant simplicity is a game-changer unlocking the potential of floating offshore solar”
- Per Arvid Holth, CEO, Fred. Olsen 1848
Main Capabilities
BRIZO is designed both to withstand harsh environmental loads and to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy - hence unlocking the potential of near- and offshore floating solar.
This is possible because BRIZO has the following benefits:
- Radical simplicity – which makes BRIZO a cost-efficient solution
- Comes with an integrated maintenance solution
- Utilization of existing supply chain allows for flexibility in sourcing
- The design is easily scalable and can be tailored to each individual project
Fred. Olsen 1848 NEWS
NEWS UPDATE: Fred. Olsen 1848 has deployed the Floating PV Technology BRIZO in Risør, Norway
Fred. Olsen 1848 is proud to announce that the 50x50 meter, 124 kW pilot project in Risør, Norway has successfully been deployed… Read more
Fred. Olsen 1848 welcomes Per Arvid Holth as its new CEO. He succeeds Sofie Olsen Jebsen and will take up the position on 1 March 2024.
Fred. Olsen 1848 welcomes Per Arvid Holth as its new CEO. Per has since 2022 held the position as Chief Project Officer in Fred.… Read more
INTRODUCING BOLETTE – THE TECHNOLOGY TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF NEAR- AND OFFSHORE FLOATING SOLAR
The main challenge for floating solar, particularly in marine environments, is how to handle wave loads in combination with wind… Read more