DemoSATH Lab recognized for promoting coexistence in floating wind energy projects

Since its inception, DemoSATH Lab has continuously expanded, incorporating new areas of research to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between floating wind energy and the marine environment. What started as a test platform for Spain’s first floating wind turbine has evolved into a comprehensive research initiative, addressing biodiversity conservation, fisheries integration, aquaculture innovation, and advanced environmental monitoring.

To promote the coexistence of offshore wind farms with marine life and local communities, we have implemented a series of initiatives, some supported by RWE, including:

• Promoting Biodiversity with Hybrid Blue-Grey Infrastructure
  The SATH Reef Unit is a nature-based solution (NbS) designed to foster marine life, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable aquaculture. Constructed with recycled wind turbine blades and mollusk shells, it provides an ideal habitat for marine species, functioning as both an artificial reef and a protective structure for subsea cables.
• Sustainable Barnacle Cultivation & Multitrophic Aquaculture
  In collaboration with local fishers and aquaculture experts, DemoSATH Lab is testing innovative methods for barnacle farming, aiming to scale it for industrial deployment on future floating platforms. The initiative also includes the cultivation of oysters, clams, mussels, and seaweed, promoting marine food production while enhancing biodiversity.
• Experimental Fisheries & Species Restoration
  Working closely with local fishing communities and BiMEP, we are testing low-impact fishing techniques, such as surface longlines and traps in the wind farm area. Additionally, efforts are being made to restore commercially valuable species like lobster, octopus, sea urchins, and spider crabs, enhancing marine resources while supporting local economies.
• Advanced Environmental Monitoring & Marine Research
  To understand and minimize the ecological impact of floating wind farms, we have deployed state-of-the-art technologies:

DemoSATH Lab recognized

DemoSATH Lab has been awarded at the World Maritime Week (WMW) and shortlisted for the prestigious Wind Investment Awards 2025 in the Technical Innovation category. These recognitions highlight our dedication to advancing offshore wind energy as a responsible and sustainable industry.

The energy transition must go hand in hand with environmental protection. DemoSATH Lab is proof that floating wind energy can coexist with marine biodiversity and local communities, securing a cleaner and more sustainable future.

A Blueprint for Future Offshore Wind Farms

With offshore wind power set to expand exponentially—an estimated 8.5 GW of floating wind capacity in deep waters by 2030—the insights gained from DemoSATH Lab will be important in guiding future commercial projects. Our work is providing replicable solutions for integrating biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture into offshore wind developments, paving the way for a truly sustainable blue economy.

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AQUASATH: Pioneering sustainable aquaculture within the DemoSATH Lab Initiative FLOWIND project. Advanced solutions for floating wind O&M RWE and Saitec collaborate to commission enhanced environmental monitoring studies at DemoSATH floating offshore wind project