Sustainable materials solutions provider Archwey, through its subsidiary PlasticBean, announced a strategic partnership with Singapore-based clean energy solutions provider EDPR Sunseap. Both parties will work on a master plan to promote the use of recycled BLUEWAVE® pontoons to support the construction of floating solar farms.
In addition to the accelerated urbanization worldwide, ideal land resources for ground-mounted solar parks, especially for large-scale ones, are becoming increasingly scarce. While floating solar farms built on bodies of water such as lakes, reservoirs, etc. open up a new world for the use of solar energy. Combined with the cooling effect associated with water, solar panels on these farms can be more efficient than traditional onshore panels. Plus, Aquavoltaicthe dual use of water resources, has been proven to bring win-win results for both industries.
However, the majority of floating solar systems have been made from 100% virgin plastic pontoons derived from oil, which poses a serious pollution risk to our planet – despite producing clean energy for people. But this issue has not yet gained enough traction in the public or private sector.
Fresh plastic made from oil is one of the biggest pollutants on our planet. Less than 9% of the plastic produced is recycled. That’s over 364 million tons of plastic thrown away every year.
— said Sjoerd Fauser, CEO of Archwey.
“The use of virgin plastic in the skeleton construction of renewable energy farms defeats the purpose – to deprive the planet of valuable fossil fuels while aiming to reduce its dependence on oil.”
Archwey’s BLUEWAVE® thermoplastic material utilizes plastic waste collected from riverbanks and coastal areas in polluted regions around the world. According to the company, BLUEWAVE® GRS certified and 100% recycled and recyclable. Not only does it help eliminate waste and avoid higher oil consumption, but it also generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing.
The use of pontoons made from 100% recycled and recyclable material is becoming increasingly important to make floating projects greener and to decarbonize the solar industry value chain as a whole.
Partnering with EDPR Sunseap forms a solid force to advocate for the use of recycled plastic products and to demand comprehensive sustainability assessments of floating solar projects.
Archwey has recycled 32,500 tonnes of plastic waste over the past 18 months to create innovative materials. It aims to recycle and clean 65,000 tons by the end of 2023.