Feb 28, 2025
LEAG reports storm-related damage to a 29-MWp floating solar power plant in Germany.
The German energy company LEAG confirmed that a 29-MWp floating solar power plant it is constructing on Cottbuser Ostsee Lake suffered damage during a storm in December.
A spokesperson informed Renewables Now on Wednesday that approximately 4% of the solar boats in the western section of the plant were impacted. During a severe wind event in mid-December, several solar modules and pontoons on the front rows of the western side became dislodged. Some pontoons were washed ashore, and certain solar modules are now partially underwater and will require recovery, according to the spokesperson.
Fortunately, there was no damage to the piles or other system components like transformers.
LEAG has already initiated initial measures to secure the installation, including reinforcement of the unaffected areas. "Our objective is to repair the system as quickly as possible. We are also planning to build a breakwater," the spokesperson stated.
When inquired about the commissioning of the plant, the company's representative mentioned that the schedule hinges on an amendment to Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG), which is pending EU state aid approval and is unlikely to be enacted before July.
LEAG commenced construction on the 29-MWp solar park in June 2024. The power plant, which the company asserts will be the largest floating solar park in Germany, will feature 51,000 solar modules mounted on approximately 1,800 solar boats. The facility will span an area of 16 hectares (39.54 sq ft) on the surface of Cottbuser Ostsee, an artificial lake formed at the location of a former open-cast lignite mine in Brandenburg.
A spokesperson informed Renewables Now on Wednesday that approximately 4% of the solar boats in the western section of the plant were impacted. During a severe wind event in mid-December, several solar modules and pontoons on the front rows of the western side became dislodged. Some pontoons were washed ashore, and certain solar modules are now partially underwater and will require recovery, according to the spokesperson.
Fortunately, there was no damage to the piles or other system components like transformers.
LEAG has already initiated initial measures to secure the installation, including reinforcement of the unaffected areas. "Our objective is to repair the system as quickly as possible. We are also planning to build a breakwater," the spokesperson stated.
When inquired about the commissioning of the plant, the company's representative mentioned that the schedule hinges on an amendment to Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG), which is pending EU state aid approval and is unlikely to be enacted before July.
LEAG commenced construction on the 29-MWp solar park in June 2024. The power plant, which the company asserts will be the largest floating solar park in Germany, will feature 51,000 solar modules mounted on approximately 1,800 solar boats. The facility will span an area of 16 hectares (39.54 sq ft) on the surface of Cottbuser Ostsee, an artificial lake formed at the location of a former open-cast lignite mine in Brandenburg.