China Launches World's First Bamboo-Framed Floating Solar Farm

China has unveiled the world's first floating solar farm constructed with bamboo frames, a significant step towards more sustainable offshore energy solutions. The 100-kilowatt (kW) platform, named Jilin-2, utilizes composite bamboo tubes and pipes, offering a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional steel or high-density polyethylene structures.

The innovative solar farm has been deployed at a demonstration base off the coast of Yantai in the eastern province of Shandong. Its primary purpose is to supply power to an integrated project focused on producing hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. Yantai CIMC Raffles Ocean Technology Group, the manufacturer, announced the deployment in late June.

This new platform builds upon the success of an earlier 10kW prototype, Jilin-1, which was developed in 2023. The Jilin-2 project was a collaborative effort involving the CIMC Offshore Engineering Research Institute, CIMC Raffles’ research division, the China Forestry Group Corporation, and Beijing Forestry University.

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Compared to conventional steel or [high-density polythene] structures, the bamboo-based design significantly reduces marine environmental impact.