Companies in focus: Seaflex
In our Companies in Focus series, we highlight businesses across northern Sweden and the innovations and solutions they are developing to support the green transition. This time, we feature Umeå-based Seaflex, which is drawing on 50 years of expertise in mooring technology to enable floating solar farms in locations where water levels fluctuate dramatically, opening up new opportunities in international markets.
--------
Seaflex Anchors the Next Phase of Floating Solar Power
Umeå-based Seaflex has been developing mooring solutions for 50 years. The company completed its first floating solar installation 15 years ago. Now, as interest in floating solar farms grows, Seaflex's expertise in securing floating structures in locations where water levels fluctuate dramatically is opening up new markets.
Solar panels do not always have to be installed on land. On reservoirs used for irrigation or drinking water, they can instead be mounted on floating platforms, leaving the land available for other purposes. The water can also help keep the panels cool, reducing efficiency losses at high temperatures.
"We've managed to apply a well-established technology in an entirely new way, with significant economic benefits," says Lars Brandt, CEO and founder of Seaflex.
One installation that demonstrates the technology's capabilities is at Vaitarna Dam in India, where water levels can fluctuate by as much as 55 metres between the dry season and the monsoon rains. Seaflex was involved in an initial installation to demonstrate that floating solar power could work even under such challenging conditions.
"They had thousands of reservoirs but didn't realise floating solar installations were possible there. We were able to show them how it could be done," says Lars Brandt.
Building Local Supply Chains
Seaflex has already supplied mooring solutions for an 8.5-megawatt phase of the project at Vaitarna Dam. The next phase, with a capacity of 70 megawatts, is planned for 2027.
India is one of several markets where Seaflex sees considerable potential. The company is working with distributors and exploring how local assembly could reduce costs and enable larger-scale deliveries. One approach under development involves shipping containers equipped with production machinery designed and manufactured by Seaflex.
"We need to establish local supply chains. The same applies to other markets, such as the United States," says Lars Brandt.
Seaflex has also developed a floating transformer solution in collaboration with Swedish company SubConnected. The technology was initially developed for an offshore project involving high waves. The companies are now exploring how it could be used for floating solar farms closer to shore.
Solar panels generate direct current (DC), which is first converted into alternating current (AC) by inverters on the floating platforms. Transformers then step up the voltage, allowing the electricity to be transmitted to the grid. Carrying out this conversion close to the installation can help reduce transmission losses.
"We Want to Champion This Transition"
Interest is growing, but the technology is still relatively new and must navigate permitting processes and established industry practices. Seaflex is therefore seeking support for further development and demonstration projects.
"We're helping to enable the development of renewable energy, even though we don't generate electricity ourselves. That can make it more difficult to find the right support and funding," says Lars Brandt.
Seaflex has completed more than 3,000 installations across 100 countries, including around 100 floating solar installations. A 13-megawatt project in Tangier, Morocco, is one example of how the technology is being deployed on a larger scale.
Lars Brandt has seen a clear shift in the industry. It takes time for permitting authorities and investors to become familiar with new solutions, but floating solar power has become increasingly established in recent years.
"We want to be at the forefront of this transition. Now it's about being able to scale up in line with demand," he says.
Caption: Seaflex built the 5 MW floating solar farm in Alqueva, Portugal. (Photo: Seaflex)