A new step for floating solar in island communities
Ocean Sun will lead the La Palma demonstrator in the Isla Bonita project, a major initiative under Horizon Europe’s Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”. Coordinated by Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias (PLOCAN), the project brings together a broad European consortium and includes nine demonstrators across island and coastal communities. For Ocean Sun, the La Palma site marks an important opportunity to apply floating solar in a setting where energy resilience, water access and efficient use of space are all highly relevant.
Combining renewable power and desalination
The La Palma demonstrator will be developed together with ACUIPALMA SL and NeoDyne and will combine floating solar with desalination. This is a practical fit for island environments, where freshwater can be limited and available land is often under pressure. By producing renewable electricity on water and linking it to desalination, the project aims to explore how clean energy and water supply can be strengthened together in a more integrated way.
A valuable test site in exposed marine conditions
For Ocean Sun, the project will also serve as an important operational and technical test site. Floating solar in marine and nearshore environments must be designed for real exposure to waves, wind, salt and continuous use over time. The La Palma demonstrator will therefore provide valuable insight into system performance, maintenance needs and design improvements under demanding conditions, helping to validate and further refine the technology.
Built through European collaboration
Isla Bonita reflects a broader European push to develop solutions that support more sustainable and resilient ocean and water use. Ocean Sun’s role in the project is part of a wider collaboration across technology providers, research institutions and local partners. By contributing to a demonstrator with clear local relevance, the company will take part in a project that is intended not only to test innovation, but also to build experience that can be transferred to other island and coastal regions.
Supporting the next generation of floating solar projects
The La Palma demonstrator is expected to generate important lessons for future floating solar applications where power, water and space efficiency are closely linked. For Ocean Sun, it is another step in building practical experience with projects that go beyond energy production alone and address wider infrastructure needs. As island communities look for robust and scalable solutions, projects like Isla Bonita can help show how floating solar may play a larger role in the energy systems of the future.
Carl Petter Lehne
Chief Operating Officer
cpl@oceansun.no
