Tecnalia leads EU project to develop floating solar substructures with eco-UHPC materials
Type: Development · Technology: Solar · Country: Spain · Announced: 2026-09-11
Tecnalia, the Basque research center, leads the European NATURSEA-PV project to develop floating photovoltaic substructures with enhanced durability and lower carbon footprint for offshore marine environments. The project has developed bio-inspired floating designs based on water lily geometries, utilizing radial and tangential beams to reduce weight and withstand marine dynamic loads. Researchers also created eco-UHPC (ultra-high performance concrete) with low carbon footprint and bio-based anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings for concrete, metal, and glass surfaces. The consortium validated materials, floats, and anchoring systems through laboratory testing and prototype trials under representative marine conditions. Tecnalia has previously collaborated on marine solar projects such as EKIOCEAN, addressing the full value chain of floating photovoltaics in marine environments.
Counterparties
- European Commission / EU Framework Programme (Funding Body)
- TECNALIA (Developer)
📈 The Sherpa Signal — one notable infrastructure deal a day.