Unveiled last September at the World Expo in Zaragoza, Spain, was Switzerland’s innovative project titled “GOLDFISH.” The concept, floating mobile solar power plants, will be capable of operating in a wide variety of locations.

The floating mobile solar power plants will be viable on inland navigation systems in locations such as Dubai, Sydney, Shanghai, and a wide variety of other locations. The installations will fulfill a huge need and range of functions in inland waterways where there’s an abundance of sunlight.

Swiss energy supplier BKW FMB Energie AG, a leader in the use of solar energy, developed the system with the goal of operating the world’s first solar powered submarine on Thunersee Lake. Not only does this project contribute huge benefits in the solar power industry, it will make for a great tourist attraction as well. “Operation in passenger shipping applications is an obvious example, where CO2-neutral energy supply can be guaranteed.”

The first step in their crusade will be the launching of the submarine, otherwise known as GOLDFISH. The sub will operate out of the magnificent Lake Thun region, which boasts beautiful blue skies of the Bernese Oberland and picturesque peaks of the Alps. This area is a paradise that offers remarkable scenery as well as castles and phenomenal gardens. Lake Thun is one of the prettiest in the country, a “tranquil patch of misty blue loomed over by high shoreline mountains,” a perfect tie-in with GOLDFISH and its green energy utilization.

Goldfish will draw its energy from the floating solar power plant. Passengers will take a solar powered shuttle to the platform where they’ll board the sub, which is designed to seat 24 to 30 passengers.

Other ideas that can be served on the waterways is running large ships on solar power where they can charge up at the floating platforms or ports and supplying power to business and public facilities near the waterways and ports.

A study published this summer confirms the feasibility of the project so they have the green light to move forward. Their only issue now is finding investors to help implement the project. Something tells me that investors will be lined up to “get on board” with project GOLDFISH.

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Posted on January 26th in Solar News by Beth.