The AQUASATH Project is part of the DemoSATH Lab initiative, which leverages infrastructure designed for renewable energy generation as a testing ground for fostering fisheries and aquaculture, protecting biodiversity, and minimizing the environmental impacts of floating offshore wind energy.
The DemoSATH project, developed by Saitec Offshore Technologies in collaboration with RWE and The Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc., represents a significant milestone as the first floating wind unit connected to the grid in Spain. Beyond contributing renewable energy to the country’s energy mix, it serves as a testing platform for innovative projects and sustainable initiatives aimed at advancing this emerging industry.
As the floating offshore wind sector grows, it is crucial to ensure that its development is measured, sustainable, and compatible with the interests of other stakeholders, such as fisheries, aquaculture, and other maritime activities. The DemoSATH Lab initiative encompasses a range of projects designed to explore these areas and offer solutions to promote coexistence in marine environments.
Among these projects, AQUASATH stands out as a pioneering initiative combining renewable energy and sustainable aquaculture. It aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. AQUASATH aims to enhance the carbon footprint and efficiency of floating offshore wind energy by integrating it with aquaculture activities that reduce operational costs and offset lifecycle carbon emissions.
The project’s core innovation lies in the development of an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system on floating wind platforms. This approach enables the cultivation of species such as barnacles, flat oysters, and macroalgae, fostering a balanced ecosystem where one species’ by-products benefit another. This innovative use of offshore space generates emissions-free energy, provides nutritious food, and delivers ecosystem services by capturing and utilizing CO2 and nutrients.
The AQUASATH project will be deployed on the DemoSATH floating wind unit, operational since 2023. This platform offers an ideal environment for experimental aquaculture development. By collaborating with regional authorities and industry stakeholders, the project ensures alignment with sustainability goals and supports local economic development strategies.
The initiative promises unique benefits, including a reduced carbon footprint, innovative food production in offshore settings, and synergies between renewable energy and aquaculture industries. Supporting the EU’s Green Deal objectives, AQUASATH fosters circular economies by introducing efficient multi-use maritime technologies, making it a cornerstone for advancements in the blue economy and a forward-looking solution to address climate action and food security challenges.
This project has been supported by the expense budget of the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
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