DemoSATH Lab: Sustainable offshore wind with AI tools

Offshore wind is advancing at an unstoppable pace, but its growth must go hand in hand with sustainability and respect for the environment. Based on this core principle, the DemoSATH Lab initiative was created, an ambitious research and innovation program that generates real, verifiable data on floating offshore wind. This testing infrastructure operates within the framework of Spain’s first floating offshore wind turbine, DemoSATH, which has been in operation in Biscay (Spain) since 2023.

Protecting seabirds and marine wildlife around offshore turbines

One of the biggest challenges in operating wind turbines at sea is their interaction with seabirds and surrounding species. In the first two years of DemoSATH’s operation, we have implemented and validated a range of systems designed to identify the presence of different bird species in the area and to mitigate potential impacts on their populations.

Our protection measures are rigorous: from advanced deterrent devices to systems that enable the preventive shutdown of the turbine when required. This capability reinforces our commitment to a responsible energy transition that is fully compatible with marine biodiversity. In addition, we have deployed biodiversity monitoring projects using ROVs and environmental DNA sampling techniques to gain an in-depth understanding of the species present around the platform.

Real-time AI: CCTV-based seabird detection and identification

Continuing along this path of innovation, we are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to harness its full potential for optimizing environmental monitoring and protection.

One of the key activities focuses on avifauna. Using a CCTV camera installed on the turbine, AI performs real-time detection, identification, and continuous analysis of seabirds. This system provides detailed and reliable information on risk situations, such as the presence of large flocks flying at certain heights near the platform.

Through automated patrols along the platform surface, areas used by species such as the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), the system can also identify ringed birds. This information is useful for tracking the populations of this species.

Goal: Safer turbines, better data, more sustainable offshore wind

The goal is to monitor turbine–fauna interactions to minimize risks, operate more sustainably, and at the same time generate valuable knowledge about the status of bird populations, data that is difficult to obtain by other means.

This system, already installed on DemoSATH in the Cantabrian Sea, is delivering very promising results which, combined with other techniques, represent a major source of knowledge for this and future developments. Some standout aspects of its performance include:

• Reliable, continuous detection: Dependable, round-the-clock detection, both day and night, functioning correctly in any sea state, even in heavy swell.
• Continuous improvement: Ongoing evolution, optimizing crucial aspects such as accuracy and detection capability.
• Flexible accessibility: Online (real time) and batch modes for processing large volumes of historical video.

More AI uses: From seabirds to fish analytics

Another planned AI use case is the identification and quantification of different fish species around the platform or other marine structures (such as ports), using underwater video. This makes it possible to obtain detailed indicators on biodiversity and fluctuations in species presence, key information about the role these infrastructures play in the marine ecosystem, and is very useful for training and outreach.

The possibilities for applying AI to biodiversity and environmental impact are immense. We are already laying the groundwork for new projects that will incorporate real-time analysis of bat ultrasounds, underwater acoustics, and camera-trap photographs.

All these initiatives represent a significant step forward in mitigating risks to species present in offshore wind farms, consolidating a more environmentally respectful energy transition. At the same time, the analysis of historical data (activity patterns, heat maps, correlation with weather conditions) helps optimize the design and operation of future wind platforms.

Our team remains firmly committed to constant innovation, refining solutions that position offshore wind as a clean, efficient energy source that is, above all, capable of integrating harmoniously with the natural environment.

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