LEAG and EPNE Begin Construction of Germany’s Largest Floating Photovoltaic System on the Baltic Sea

LEAG and EP New Energies (EPNE) have announced the beginning of assembly for a pioneering floating photovoltaic (FPV) system on a post-mining lake near Cottbus. This lake, flooded since 2019, is set to stabilize across 1,900 hectares by 2027, surpassing the Geiseltalsee in Saxony-Anhalt as Germany’s largest post-mining lake.

The FPV system, touted as the largest in Germany, will have a capacity of 29MW and occupy 16 hectares—0.8% of the lake’s surface. Currently, the water depth at the installation site is 1.50 meters. Last May, 34 fixing piles (dolphins) were installed on dry land, with plans to build the system on the lake bed before floating it. However, unexpected heavy rainfall accelerated the flooding, necessitating an adjustment in the plan.

Thorsten Kramer, CEO of LEAG, described the project as a key initiative within the “GigawattFactory,” a suite of renewable energy projects aimed at delivering seven gigawatts of power to the Lusatian lignite mining region by 2030.

Pfalzsolar, the company overseeing the installation, will deploy over 51,000 solar modules on approximately 1,800 floating platforms (solar boats) attached to the dolphins. Pre-assembly will occur onshore, with the solar boats subsequently moved into position. The project also includes the installation of 88 inverters, eight transformer stations, and other medium-voltage technology. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.