VALENCIA, SPAIN — November 26, 2025 — In a significant step for marine renewable energy in Spain, energy company Naturgy, through its Innovahub innovation platform, and Spanish engineering startup BlueNewables are advancing a pioneering 1 MW floating photovoltaic project. This initiative, designed for open-sea conditions, will undergo real-world testing in the Port of Valencia starting in March 2026.

The project has received a grant from Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) under the Renmarinas program . It aims to explore viable renewable solutions that can accelerate the decarbonization of the energy system by harnessing the vast potential of solar power on the open ocean.

Innovative Technology and Project Scope

The pilot project involves the design, manufacturing, commissioning, and monitoring of two floating photovoltaic units, each with a capacity of 500 kW, combining to a total of 1 MW . The technology at the heart of this endeavor is an innovative catamaran-type design for the floating platforms.

This specific architectural choice is critical for the harsh marine environment. It allows for the use of more economical floats and, most importantly, positions the solar panels farther from the direct impact of waves . This design not only improves the durability and performance of the panels but also simplifies maintenance operations, addressing key challenges for offshore solar installations.

The system is currently under construction at the San Enrique shipyard in Vigo and is on schedule for commissioning in March 2026 . Following this, the two units will be deployed for extensive testing in the Port of Valencia.

Strategic Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The partnership between the energy giant Naturgy and the agile startup BlueNewables is structured to foster deep technological exchange. Both companies have agreed to share technical, operational, strategic, and economic information generated throughout the pilot project’s development, covering both the manufacturing and testing phases.

This collaboration is set to extend for a full two years after the system’s launch . The exchange will encompass a wide range of data, including performance metrics, technical incidents, operational reports, cost information, lessons learned, and strategies for future technology deployment . This long-term commitment underscores the project’s role as a learning platform aimed at building a comprehensive knowledge base for the future commercial rollout of offshore floating PV technology.

The Future of Offshore Floating Solar

Floating offshore photovoltaics represent a strategic frontier for renewable energy growth. This technology holds great potential for hybridization with other marine energy sources, particularly offshore wind . Furthermore, it offers promising applications for the decarbonization of port infrastructure and can provide standalone power solutions for islands, reducing their reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The pioneering work by Naturgy and BlueNewables in Valencia is poised to make a substantial contribution to the global body of knowledge for this emerging technology. By demonstrating the viability and reliability of their catamaran-based floating solar design in real-sea conditions, the partners aim to prove a scalable and cost-effective model for capturing solar energy on the open sea.

About Naturgy

Naturgy is a leading multinational energy company committed to a sustainable energy model. Through its Innovahub platform, the company actively promotes innovation and the development of new renewable technologies to drive the energy transition.

About BlueNewables

BlueNewables is a Spanish engineering startup specializing in offshore renewable energy solutions. The company focuses on developing innovative technologies, such as its proprietary PV-bos floating platform, to harness energy from marine environments.