Constructed at the San Enrique shipyard in Vigo, Galicia, the 500kW platform has been named ‘Paiporta’ in tribute to the Valencian municipality affected by the 2024 storm that killed more than 200 people in the area. Engineers are set to position the floating structure outside the southern breakwater of the Port of Valencia for operational trials. This initial structure represents the first phase of a broader project to deploy two 500kW floating units, which together will provide a total capacity of 1MW. The second unit will arrive at the Port of Valencia by late summer 2026 to complete the full installation.

BlueNewables designed the platform using its proprietary ‘PV-bos’ (photovoltaic-BlueNewables Offshore Solutions) technology. The structural design features a catamaran hull configuration specifically optimised for open-sea wave conditions. By employing a raised catamaran layout, the structure positions the solar panels higher above the sea surface than standard floating systems. This added height reduces saltwater exposure, aiming to improve module performance while lowering long-term maintenance needs. The facility uses bifacial solar panels that capture direct sunlight on the front and reflected light from the sea surface on the rear.

The project marks Spain’s first pre-commercial floating solar deployment in open-water marine conditions. To measure its viability, Naturgy and BlueNewables signed a two-year agreement to collect operational and technical data during the trial phase. Throughout this period, the companies will systematically analyse performance metrics, system maintenance incidents, operating costs and structural wear. Naturgy will manage its ongoing participation through its Innovahub technology platform. The primary testing programme will evaluate floating solar integration with offshore wind farms, port power grids and island energy systems.

The team originally launched the platform on 18 May 2026 at the San Enrique facility in Vigo, where technicians used tandem cranes to safely place the structure into the water. Following the launch, engineering teams completed final electrical commissioning and structural checks before towing the platform to Valencia.

Funding for the project comes via grant support from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE). This financial backing is provided through the RENMARINAS Valenciaport programme, coordinated directly by the APV and supported by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative. The trial directly supports Valenciaport’s strategy to transition to decarbonised port operations under its 2035 strategic plan. The deployment evaluates solar power generation in open ocean environments to support both port self-sufficiency and broader carbon-neutral targets.

As part of the wider initiative, the APV is creating a dedicated test platform to connect marine renewable energy systems directly to the power grid across Valencia and Sagunto. This grid infrastructure will remain permanently available for future demonstration projects. The port authority is also working with EnerMarPort to install wave energy converters at the Port of Sagunto, connecting these units directly into the same local grid system.

‘This is a very important milestone in the roadmap of our technology,’ said Bernardino Couñago, Co-Founder and CEO of BlueNewables. ‘The launch of the Paiporta platform places BlueNewables among the world leaders in the marine floating solar sector and demonstrates the industrial and technological capabilities that exist in Galicia and Spain to lead innovative energy solutions internationally.’

‘The launch of the PV-bos represents a milestone of enormous significance both for Astillero San Enrique and for the maritime and energy industries as a whole,’ added José Luis Torres, General Manager of Astillero San Enrique. ‘We are especially proud to have participated in the development and construction of a technological solution set to transform the use of solar energy in marine environments, making a decisive contribution to the advancement of renewable energies on a global scale.’ 

The Paiporta platform utilises BlueNewables’ proprietary ‘PV-bos’ technology
Photo: BlueNewables