Progress report for
Partnerships with SIDS for floating solar energy at sea
Achievement at a glance
Immediately following the Ocean Conference 2017, we created a concept note and organized a briefing on our Voluntary Commitment together with the Austrian Mission to the UN. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 10 countries, almost exclusively SIDS, particpipated and discussed the possibility of partnering for floating solar energy at sea.<br>
<br>As planned, we have conducted a research trip to the Pacific to conduct a feasibility assessment for the region. Following this, we have submitted a grant application together with Solomon Islands for a pilot offshore solar system to a development fund, which unfortunately has not been approved. In the course of the application, we developed the concept of a Clean Energy Fund.
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<br>A similar concept was later used for a successful grant application with EEP Africa to build capacity for offshore PV in the Seychelles. As part of this project, a pilot solar system that floats in the open ocean should be developed. A location has already been identified and a measurement device for a wave study has been installed, and consultations with all stakeholders are currently ongoing.
Challenges faced in implementation
We have postponed travels due to restrictions amid COVID-19, and stakeholder coordination has been impacted by the spread of the virus and resulting public lockdowns.Beneficiaries
Small Island Development States (SIDS)