More than 70 percent of our planet’s surface is covered by water, so scientists are figuring out ways to make use of these vast spaces for generating renewable energy. We’ve already seen solar panels floating on top of lakes and reservoirs, and now researchers in Austria have developed a prototype barge loaded with solar cells that’s capable of handling the dangerously choppy waves of the ocean.
The 100-metre (328-foot) platforms are based on a new floatation system called Heliofloat that enables the solar panels to roll with the swells of the sea and carry on producing electricity. The technology could potentially enable companies to create huge offshore solar plants to help supply our increasing energy needs.
From our very good friends over at sciencealert.com