Further development of offshore floating solar and its design requirements

Floating solar platform (FSP) installations in coastal waters provide a significant energy source for reaching the goal of global net-zero emissions by 2050. These alternative and beautiful green energy installations offer substantial renewable energy generation potential. However, developing robust design solutions is crucial for fully exploiting such potential in offshore environments. This review explores the fundamental requirements for designing FSPs in offshore settings from an engineering perspective. A primary focus is on the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics, stochastic behaviours, and nonlinear phenomena associated with these structures. Key design parameters such as geometry, modularity, connectivity, and mooring systems are subjected to comprehensive analysis. The interaction between wind, waves, and FSP dynamics is examined, with particular attention to wind-wave coupling. Additionally, complex nonlinear wave phenomena, such as slamming, overtopping, green water, sloshing, ringing, and springing, are thoroughly discussed. The review also highlights the application of previous fluid-structure interaction research in FSP design and development, addressing challenges and variations encountered in this field. Furthermore, the role of data-driven approaches, particularly machine learning, in enhancing the design and development of FSPs is illustrated. This comprehensive examination provides a more delicate understanding of the design challenges and requirements inherent in this rapidly evolving technological field.