Executive Chairman of the O&L Group, Sven Thieme, this week took part in a groundbreaking moment for Germany’s energy transition with the launch of the Philippsee project. The floating photovoltaic (PV) system was launched on Monday as an example of harnessing unused water bodies for the generation of clean energy, contributing to renewable energy objectives. 

The event was also attended by Germany’s Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann and State Secretary, Franziska Brantner, who underscored the significance of this achievement in the field of renewable energy. Not only does the system efficiently produce solar power, but it also provides an additional ecological benefit by reducing water evaporation from the lake’s surface. 

“At O&L, we take pride in being authentic, caring and passionate in all that we do. This project exemplifies these characteristics by caring for our environment, passionately driving innovation and authentically seeking sustainable solutions that make a real difference. Our team’s dedication and expertise were essential in bringing this innovative vision to life,” said Thieme. 

Kretschmann commended the initiative, reinforcing his support for green technologies helping drive the energy transition. 

“We are immensely proud of this achievement and of the hard work and passion demonstrated by our team. This floating PV installation not only serves as a powerful symbol of the future of energy but also aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating a more sustainable and caring world,” said O&L Nexentury group managing director, Steffen Kammerer. 

Nexentury is the O&L subsidiary specialising in developing utility scale PV and hybrid PV solutions that provide flexible and sustainable energy solutions for Africa and Europe’s public and private sector. The business has a geographic focus on Germany as well as Southern and Western Africa.

The Philippsee project is being developed jointly by a private German firm called Philipp & Co KG in conjunction with O&L Nexentury and is being implemented in collaboration with O&L Europe. 

O&L Nexentury is a privately held conglomerate with other diverse business interests, including food production, fishing, beverages, farming, retail trade, information technology, property leasing and development, marine engineering, steel retailing, advertising and the leisure and hospitality industry. As the energy arm of the Group, O&L Nexentury has a specific focus on developing and implementing renewable energy systems in Europe and Africa.