September 20, 2024

 

Norwegian firm Nordic Innovation backs offshore wind and aquaculture integration project

A new initiative supported by Norwegian firm Nordic Innovation is set to explore the potential of integrating offshore wind power with aquaculture, Global Seafood Alliance reported.

 

The OffWoff co-location project aims to investigate how these two industries can coexist, creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

 

Freja Offshore AB, a key partner in this venture, is preparing to build the Mareld floating wind farm. The project's vision extends beyond wind energy generation, with plans to transform Mareld into a hub for sustainable aquaculture. The project will focus on developing environmentally friendly methods of fish farming alongside the wind farm's operations.

 

"Our oceans are a fantastic source of life that we must utilise carefully," said Thordur Reynisson, Advisor at Nordic Innovation. "We want to support innovative projects that harness the potential of the sea while also strengthening and restoring marine biodiversity. We believe that Mareld could become such a project."

 

In the proposed plan, fish farms will be located between the wind turbines, with each setup featuring 12 submerged cages. These systems are expected to yield approximately 6,000 tons of fish annually. The project envisions deploying multiple such systems within the Mareld wind farm area.

 

After harvesting, the fish will be transported to shore by ship for processing and packaging. Each fish farming system is expected to create around 30 maritime jobs, with an additional 30 positions on land for processing activities.

 

Offshore wind farms can act as artificial reefs and marine protected areas, which may enhance the abundance of fish and shellfish, increasing the availability of prey species. Large wind turbines also prevent larger fishing vessels from entering the area, providing optimal conditions for fish farming.

 

Farming fish in open seas, away from the coast, offers several benefits, such as reduced presence of parasites and improved water quality. Subfarm's model, which uses submerged fish cages, shields fish from sea lice and harmful algae, contributing to healthier aquaculture environments.

 

The project brings together key partners, including Subfarm, a Norwegian leader in offshore fish farming known for its sustainable practices; Lysekil Municipality, a hub for marine sector innovation; DHI, a Danish research institute with expertise in aquatic environments; Blue Maritime Cluster, a network of 200 Norwegian marine entities recognised for their marine sector knowledge; and Freja Offshore AB, a joint venture between Norway's Mainstream Renewable Power and Sweden's Hexicon, which focuses on floating offshore wind farms.

 

The initiative officially began on June 17, 2024, with a kickoff meeting held in Kristineberg. The project is expected to pave the way for further integration of offshore wind and aquaculture industries, contributing to sustainable marine practices.

 

-      Global Seafood Alliance