As part of its sustainability goal of achieving net CO2 emissions by 2050, BASF has installed an innovative proof-of-concept floating solar system at its production site in McIntosh, Alabama, USA. Noria Energy's first-of-its-kind floating solar system uses renewable energy to power three aerators used to improve water quality in a scenic pond at a production facility.
Floating solar capture systems have several advantages over conventional terrestrial solar systems, including increased operating efficiency due to cooler, more stable surrounding waters. However, floating solar systems add design and construction variables, which often result in higher investment costs. Some previous attempts to reduce installation costs have reduced the reliability of the system when exposed to the environment. In particular, exposure to intense sunlight can cause degradation and unpredictable failure of traditional pontoon bridges over time.
BASF's plastic additives business is working with Noria Energy collaborated to address these challenges at a lower cost by developing a highly reliable, innovative pontoon design. The final product utilizes BASF's light stabilizer portfolio, which includes UV absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), which protect the polymer from degradation by harmful UV rays.
"The additives and antioxidants produced at our Macintosh site are used in the pontoons to increase durability and extend the life of the system," said Marcus Pezent, head of BASF's Macintosh site.
Alex, Chief Technology Officer, Noria Energy Maye said: "We set out to develop an innovative floating solar system that could significantly reduce capital requirements, including logistics costs. The collaboration with BASF helped to take the system from concept to pilot installation in less than a year, which is a great achievement." It also demonstrates BASF's commitment to achieving its carbon neutrality goals."
The pilot unit was installed with the support of BASF's North American energy management team, which is already exploring the location of other large-scale floating units at different BASF production sites. Tejuana, Vice President, Americas, BASF Plastic Additives Edmond added: "These groundbreaking renewable energy initiatives reinforce our commitment to a sustainable future. We will continue to work with our customers to help address their needs and challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions."
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