Photo credit: Nordic Innovation
A new initiative supported by Nordic Innovation is exploring the potential of combining offshore wind energy production with sustainable aquaculture. The OffWoff co-location project, led by Freja Offshore AB, aims to assess the feasibility of integrating fish farming operations with offshore wind farms, marking a significant step toward sustainable ocean resource utilization.
Freja Offshore AB is in the process of developing the Mareld floating wind farm, which will serve as the base for this groundbreaking initiative. The project envisions Mareld evolving from a mere renewable energy provider into a dual-purpose facility that supports both wind power and environmentally friendly aquaculture.
Thordur Reynisson, Advisor at Nordic Innovation, highlighted the importance of harnessing ocean resources responsibly. “Our oceans are a rich source of life, and we need to ensure their careful use. We are excited to support innovative projects like Mareld, which have the potential to boost marine biodiversity while also advancing sustainability,” he said.
The project’s concept involves positioning 12 submerged fish cages between the platforms of the wind turbines, a setup projected to produce roughly 6,000 tons of fish annually. The vision includes replicating these systems across the Mareld wind farm, creating a large-scale, integrated aquaculture operation. Once harvested, the fish will be transported by ships to shore for processing and distribution. Each fish farming system is expected to create around 30 maritime jobs, with another 30 positions generated onshore.
The co-location of wind farms and fish farms presents several benefits. Offshore wind farms, often doubling as artificial reefs, can enhance marine biodiversity by acting as protected areas for fish and shellfish. By preventing larger fishing vessels from entering the wind farm zones, these areas create ideal conditions for aquaculture. Additionally, open-sea farming provides improved water quality and fewer parasites, further supporting fish health.
Subfarm, a Norwegian leader in offshore aquaculture and a key partner in the project, has developed innovative submerged fish cages that protect the fish from sea lice and harmful algae, fostering a healthier farming environment.
Other project collaborators include Lysekil Municipality, known for its marine sector innovation, DHI, a Danish research institute with expertise in aquatic environments, and Blue Maritime Cluster, a network of Norwegian marine sector entities recognized for their industry knowledge. Freja Offshore AB, a joint venture between Mainstream Renewable Power and Sweden’s Hexicon, is leading the development of floating offshore wind farms.
This collaboration aims to revolutionize both the aquaculture and renewable energy sectors by providing a model for sustainable, integrated marine resource use that could serve as a blueprint for similar projects worldwide.
Source: Nordic Innovation