DNV review prepares Fred. Olsen's BRIZO floating solar system for rougher conditions

DNV has completed an independent technical review of Fred. Olsen1848’s BRIZO floating solar system, an innovative floating photovoltaic (FPV) concept designed to operate in more exposed wave conditions than conventional FPV solutions. Using a flexible rope-mesh and tensioning system, BRIZO is designed for inland, coastal, and near-shore environments where traditional calm-water floating solar systems may face technical and operational limitations.

Most FPV systems deployed today are limited to sheltered reservoirs, lakes, and low-wave environments, restricting where floating solar can be scaled. BRIZO aims to bridge the gap between conventional inland FPV and more exposed marine conditions, combining increased wave tolerance with high reliability.

DNV’s review covered the system’s design methodologies, hydrodynamic load assessment, from physical model testing, structural behaviour, and testing procedures, drawing on knowledge from the development of DNV standards ST-E309, ST-C108, and RP-0584. The assessment provides an independent technical basis for the technology to progress toward project development, bankability discussions, and future commercial deployment.

Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV
Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV

“Floating solar is entering a new phase of maturity, where the industry must move beyond sheltered waters to unlock meaningful scale,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Northern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV. “Technologies capable of operating in more exposed environments could significantly expand the addressable market for FPV, particularly in regions facing land constraints, competing land use, or growing pressure on grid infrastructure. Independent technical assurance is essential to demonstrating that these systems can withstand demanding environmental conditions over their full operational lifetime and give developers and investors confidence as the market evolves.”

“This Statement of Compliance represents a significant milestone for BRIZO. It provides confirmation of the strength of our technical approach and demonstrates that the technology is able to operate in more demanding conditions. It is an important step towards advancing the bankability of our solution and supporting our commercial roadmap", said Geir Grimsrud, Chief Technical Officer at Fred. Olsen 1848.

Solar photovoltaic is expected to become the world’s largest source of electricity over the coming decades. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2025 forecasts continued rapid growth in solar deployment, driven by falling technology costs and accelerating electrification. As deployment scales further, constraints linked to land availability, permitting, grid congestion, and siting are becoming increasingly significant in many markets.

In that context, floating solar is gaining momentum as an enabling technology for accelerating the deployment of solar PV generation in land-constrained geographies. More robust FPV concepts capable of operating in coastal and higher-energy environments promise to help unlock new deployment opportunities and support the continued scaling of solar power in regions with limited suitable land or increasing energy demand.

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