Spain’s first offshore solar platform has begun testing in Valencia. The project uses bifacial panels and a catamaran design. Authorities aim to boost renewable energy at the port and beyond.
Spain has taken a significant step in renewable energy with the arrival of its first offshore solar platform at the Port of Valencia. Developed by BlueNewables and supported by Naturgy, the floating structure—named Paiporta—marks the start of a pilot phase that could reshape how Spanish ports generate clean electricity. The installation is positioned outside the southern breakwater, where it will undergo extensive testing as part of a broader initiative to deploy two units, each with a capacity of 500 kW, aiming for a total output of 1 MW.
The Paiporta platform stands out for its innovative catamaran-style design, specifically engineered for marine environments. This approach allows for more efficient floatation and places the solar panels higher above sea level, which not only improves energy capture but also simplifies maintenance. The use of bifacial solar panels is another key feature, enabling the system to harness both direct sunlight and light reflected from the water’s surface, thereby increasing overall efficiency.
According to the Port Authority of Valencia, the second unit is scheduled to arrive by the end of summer, completing the planned installation. The project is backed by funding from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) under the Renmarinas Valenciaport program. Its main objective is to advance the development and analysis of new renewable solutions that support Spain’s energy transition goals.
This floating solar platform is the first of its kind at a pre-commercial scale in Spanish waters. Over the next two years, BlueNewables and Naturgy will collaborate closely, sharing technical, operational, and economic data from both the testing phase and subsequent monitoring. The initiative is part of Valenciaport’s broader strategy to create a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient port model, with decarbonization and climate adaptation as central priorities.
In addition to the solar project, the Port Authority is establishing a dedicated testing platform for connecting, evaluating, and integrating renewable marine energy demonstrators into the electrical grids of Valencia and Sagunto ports. This infrastructure will remain available for future projects. The initiative also involves EnerMarPort, which plans to install wave energy technology at the port of Sagunto, with the necessary grid connections being prepared by the Port Authority.
Offshore floating solar technology is gaining momentum globally as ports and coastal cities seek to maximize renewable energy production without occupying valuable land. Spain’s move to pilot such systems in Valencia positions the country at the forefront of this trend in southern Europe. If successful, the project could serve as a model for other Spanish ports and contribute to national targets for clean energy generation. The combination of solar and wave energy initiatives in the region reflects a growing commitment to diversifying energy sources and reducing carbon emissions in critical infrastructure sectors.
