Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition recognizes DemoSATH for its transformative contribution to the energy transition

Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has recognized the DemoSATH floating offshore wind project for its role in the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, supported by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Sara Aagesen, Third Vice President of the Government and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, emphasized:

“We consider this project to be emblematic, standing out for its innovative character, its impact and multiplier effect, and its comprehensive approach.”

The event was held at the College of Architects of Madrid and coincided almost exactly with the second anniversary of DemoSATH’s operations, a milestone that highlights the project’s ability to turn the objectives of the Plan into tangible initiatives that generate public value, drive the ecological transition, and strengthen both institutional and social networks. On behalf of the project, the recognition was collected by Javier Urgoiti, General Director of Saitec, underscoring the company’s leadership and commitment throughout the initiative.

For his part, David Carrascosa, Chief Operations Officer of Saitec Offshore Technologies, underlined:

“For the Saitec Group, it is a true honor to receive this recognition for the joint work of so many colleagues, partners, suppliers, and institutions involved. Being pioneers in offshore wind has only been possible thanks to effective public-private collaboration. If Spain wants to consolidate its position as a leader in innovative sectors with great strategic potential, support from the Administration through competitive aid programs such as RENMARINAS is essential to turn R&D into tangible projects.”

Two years since the start of floating offshore wind energy in Spain

The DemoSATH floating offshore wind project is the first grid-connected floating offshore wind turbine in Spain. Led by the Basque engineering company Saitec Offshore Technologies, with the collaboration of RWE Offshore Wind (Germany) and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO, Japan), the project was installed at the BiMEP offshore test site (Armintza, Basque Country) in September 2023.

The platform is located 2 miles off the Basque coast and is equipped with a 2MW turbine, capable of generating electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of 2,500 households. With this milestone, floating offshore wind energy became part of the Spanish energy mix.

A living laboratory in the Bay of Biscay

Beyond its pioneering nature, DemoSATH has become a full-scale living laboratory to evaluate the performance of SATH technology under demanding marine conditions, while also developing sustainability initiatives through the DemoSATH Lab.

Within this framework, research is being carried out on ecosystem restoration measures, wildlife protection, biodiversity and aquaculture promotion, with the goal of ensuring that the growth of floating offshore wind takes place in a sustainable way, with verifiable data and a positive impact on the marine environment.

The project provides certainty and confidence not only to developers and investors, but also to society as a whole, by delivering key information on environmental impacts, protective measures, and solutions for coexistence and shared use of marine resources.

The conclusions derived from DemoSATH may be of great value, opening the door to:

• Ecosystem restoration
• Marine species colonization
• Habitat regeneration
• Creation of artificial reefs
• New refuge and feeding areas for fish and other species

Looking ahead

DemoSATH’s approach remains focused on optimization, efficiency, and scalability of the SATH platforms at all stages, from construction to maintenance, while also integrating carbon footprint reduction, material circularity, and ecological compatibility.

With this recognition, the project strengthens its position as a benchmark in the energy transition and as an example of how technological innovation, public-private collaboration, and sustainability can go hand in hand to accelerate the renewable future at both national and international levels.

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