Oslo, Norway, October 7, 2025 — Fred. Olsen 1848 has unveiled the Tension Buoy today, a mooring system designed to address challenges in stabilizing floating solar installations on reservoirs and hydro dams with fluctuating water levels. The system, which has been tested in Risør, Norway, aims to provide a solution for maintaining consistent mooring tension, a critical factor for the efficiency and reliability of floating solar arrays.
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The development comes as the global floating solar market, valued by industry analysts like Research and Markets at approximately $3 billion in 2024, is projected to surpass $10 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by land scarcity and the benefits of co-locating with existing hydropower facilities, making innovative mooring solutions a key area of focus for the industry.
The Tension Buoy features an automated winch system that adjusts mooring line lengths in real time. This approach contrasts with traditional mooring systems from competitors like Ciel & Terre and Seaflex, which often rely on passive solutions such as long anchor lines or elastic materials, according to Fred. Olsen 1848, this active adjustment mechanism reduces the risk of slack or overly taut lines, which can lead to operational inefficiencies. While the system offers precise control, it also introduces mechanical complexity not found in passive designs.
Fred. Olsen 1848 technology and market context for such energy innovation
While the Tension Buoy has been tested in a pilot setting, the company has not disclosed detailed performance data or announced plans for commercial deployment. Fred. Olsen 1848 positions it as a potential enabler for hybrid systems that combine solar and hydropower to enhance energy stability, although the system’s readiness for large-scale deployment remains unclear.
Floating solar installations offer several environmental benefits, including reduced water evaporation and the preservation of land. However, potential ecological impacts, such as shading effects on aquatic ecosystems and material leaching, remain areas of study. Widespread adoption also hinges on navigating a complex regulatory landscape, including lengthy permitting processes involving water rights and environmental impact assessments.
Fred. Olsen 1848 is a subsidiary of Bonheur ASA, a Norwegian holding company with interests in renewable energy and shipping. Led by fifth-generation family member Sofie Olsen Jebsen, the company leverages the deep maritime and offshore engineering heritage of the broader Fred. Olsen Group. In addition to the Tension Buoy, its portfolio includes the BRUNEL Floating Wind Foundation, a modular platform for offshore wind turbines, as well as the BRIZO water surface solar collector grid solution.
As the floating solar market continues to grow rapidly, the demand for innovative mooring solutions in dynamic water environments is evident. Whether the Tension Buoy becomes a key enabler for hybrid energy systems will depend on the forthcoming performance data and its ultimate commercial readiness.
Photo credit: All material shown is owned and was provided by Fred. Olsen 1848.
Source: Fred. Olsen 1848 press release / market data
