Grebla Lake – Floating Solar Power Plant Ready to Launch

TMK Hydroenergy Power, together with Innovation Norway, support the energy of the future by implementing a unique project in Romania. Therefore, the works for ‘Grebla Lake – Floating Solar Power Plant’ have started.

TMK Hydroenergy Power, in partnership with Innovation Norway, is building the first floating photovoltaic power system on the Grebla lake, which will generate more than 1 million kW/year. This project means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 300 t CO2 per year.

The Grebla Lake Photovoltaic Power Plant project brings the energy of the future closer by developing the first 1000 kW floating photovoltaic power system. This will enhance the synergy between sun, water, and the electricity infrastructure of TMK Hydroenergy Power, part of the CEZ Group in Romania.

The project aims to dispose of the currently unused water body of the Grebla stilling lake, with an area of approximately 30,000 sqm. The energy produced will partially cover TMK Hydroenergy Power’s internal electricity consumption.

Solar power generation will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 332,622 t CO2 per year.

The value of the investment is EUR 1.36 million, with TMK Hydroenergy Power receiving an Innovation Norway grant to cover part of the costs.

The total value of the project is EUR 1,363,552, of which EUR 131,950 represents the non-eligible value and the total eligible value is EUR 1,231,602, of which EUR 737,500 represents the non-reimbursable eligible value.

 

Work has started

• The photovoltaic panels have been delivered together with their floats and related equipment.
• Preliminary steps have been carried out for the start of the photovoltaic panels’ installation works.

In the coming weeks the following will be realized:

• Assembly of floating systems.
• Installation of photovoltaic panels.
• Connection work.
• Integration of the floating PV power plant into the existing system.

 

Project description

The main objective of the project is implementation of a 1 MWp floating photovoltaic system to assure electricity from renewable resources for the own consumption of TMK Hydroenergy Power (TMK), and to reduce its CO2 emissions.

The company conducted a feasibility study from which it resulted that the installation of a floating photovoltaic plant has obvious advantages: high energy production efficiency, production of renewable energy and the reduction of energy costs.

Floating photovoltaic panels perform between 5% to 15% better due to the cooling effect of water and due to water reflection, are less impacted by shading from other buildings and use inactive spaces such as the lake’s surface.

The technical solution proposes the development of a 1 MWp floating photovoltaic plant on Grebla Lake, which will be connected to the electricity grid. The solar power generated will partially meet the day-to-day energy needs of TMK operations.

The electricity produced will be transformed into low voltage by inverters. The solar panels will be located approximately 5 meters far from the banks. The entire portfolio of photovoltaic islands can be monitored centrally by the Central Unit (Grebla dispatcher). The photovoltaic plant will produce 1,087 MWh/year electricity for own consumption.

The project will be implemented by the following stages:

• Design and permitting consents – Technical design and obtaining consents for construction and operation from the local planning authority.
• Procurement – Carrying out tenders and securing the supply of the necessary products and services.
• Construction – Physically realizing the installation: Civil works, electrical install, FPV install.
• Commissioning.
• Environmental assessment.

The investment targeted by this project has a positive impact on the company. Its implementation reduces energy consumption from conventional sources, energy cost economy and gives a partial energy autonomy.