Canopy Power’s floating charging stations, powered by Ocean Sun’s patented floating solar technology, will charge Candela’s electric hydrofoil ferries deployed in remote locations, freeing islands from dependence on diesel generators.
Candela, the global leader in electric hydrofoil vessels, and Canopy Power, a pioneer in renewable microgrids and floating solar, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to revolutionize water mobility in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
The partnership aims to deliver a fossil-free transport ecosystem for island resorts and coastal communities. By combining Candela’s long-range P-12 electric ferry with Canopy Power’s microgrid solution with floating solar and battery storage technologies, the two companies are offering a solution that breaks the hospitality industry's reliance on imported fossil fuels.
A "sun-to-sea" solution for island tourism
For many island destinations in the APAC region, reliance on diesel generators and conventional ferries drives up operational costs and carbon emissions. This new collaboration addresses both challenges by linking energy generation directly to consumption.
Under this partnership, Canopy Power will design microgrids, based on Ocean Sun’s floating solar technology that captures solar energy on the water’s surface, which is then used to fast-charge Candela’s P-12 vessels. The P-12, which "flies" above the waves on computer-guided hydrofoils, uses 80% less energy than traditional hulls, making it the first electric ferry capable of long operational ranges at high speeds.
Driving return on investment through sustainability
The collaboration is built on the shared vision that sustainability drives profitability. The companies intend to demonstrate that the switch to electric hydrofoiling, powered by on-site renewable energy, significantly reduces operational expenditures (OPEX) compared to diesel alternatives.
"Fossil fuel dependency is the single biggest cost driver for remote island operators," said Björn Antonsson, Regional CEO for APAC at Candela. "By partnering with Canopy Power, we can offer a complete ecosystem. We aren’t just selling a boat; we are offering a way to turn sunlight into silent, luxurious high-speed transport that pays for itself through fuel savings."
Canopy Power’s floating chargers, powered by Ocean Sun’s floating solar technology, free remote islands from dependence on fossil fuels for vessels.
Engaging the industry
The companies will work together to engage stakeholders, policymakers, and resort owners across the region. The goal is to showcase use cases where the combination of technologies creates a premium guest experience—eliminating the noise, vibration, and smell of diesel engines—while reducing the carbon emission and protecting the fragile marine environments that attract guests in the first place.
"The combination of the floating charging station solution with Candela’s ultra-efficient electric vessels is a game changer for the region," said Mahasti Motazedi, Strategy Director at Canopy Power. "For the first time, we are enabling island resorts to adopt a sustainable and clean water mobility solution, eliminating reliance on diesel."
About Candela
Candela is a Swedish technology company dedicated to speeding up the transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans. The company uses computer-guided hydrofoils to lift vessels above the water, reducing friction and energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional vessels.
www.candela.com
About Canopy Power
Canopy Power is a Singaporean renewable energy engineering company specialized in microgrids for remote businesses and communities. With a focus on floating solar and battery storage, Canopy Power enables clients to reduce fuel costs and environmental impact by generating clean energy on-site.
www.canopypower.com
About Ocean Sun
By combining Norwegian maritime expertise and knowledge within photovoltaics, Ocean Sun has developed an innovation that offers a bold solution to our global energy needs. The patented technology is based on solar modules mounted on hydro-elastic membranes and offers cost and performance benefits not seen in any other floating PV system today. With offices in Oslo, Singapore and Shanghai, Ocean Sun is embarking on its vision to be the world's leading technology provider of floating solar.
www.oceansun.no