The first floating photovoltaic array is to be deployed in Scotland

Nova Innovation, a leader in tidal energy technology, says it will install its first floating photovoltaic demonstration project in Scotland later this year. The company is currently building a multi-megawatt international pipeline.

Scotland will deploy its first floating photovoltaic system this year as part of work to increase renewable energy generation and reduce carbon emissions. Nova Innovation, a leading developer of tidal turbines, has added floating solar products to its portfolio and will install the above PV systems later this year. The company is currently testing the array at its facility in Edinburgh.

Speaking during a visit to the production site in Edinburgh's Leith Harbour area, Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said: "These panels give usa glimpse of the opportunities for Scotland's future energy system and are a first step in exploiting the huge potential of floating solar."

Nova Innovation installed the world's first offshore tidal turbine array in Shetland in 2016. The company then secured 6.4 million pounds ($8 million) in funding from the National Investment Bank of Scotland in 2021 to expand production of innovative renewable energy generators. It has since set up project sites in Canada, France and Indonesia.

"The Scottish National Investment Bank's investment in Nova Innovation helps expand the company's manufacturing base in Leith and aligns with the Scottish Government's priorities to support innovative technologies, which will help us achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045," Yousaf said, "Scotland is already one of the most advanced Marine energy technology testing and demonstration centres in Europe, and I look forward to seeing solar panels rolled out here in the near future."

Simon Forrest, chief executive of Nova Innovation, said record high energy prices and growing concerns about security of supply made it imperative for Scotland to focus on exploiting its vast natural resources to develop homegrown energy.

"Scotland is at the heart of the tidal energy revolution and Nova continues to lead the field with proven technology and unmatched reliability," Forrest said. "Adding floating solar to our portfolio puts us in an ideal position to better drive towards net zero emissions."

Nova Innovation says the installation of the floating photovoltaic unit will officially start later this year. The company says it already has several megawatts of international pipeline.