The European Commission’s Atlantic Strategy has published an article on the AquaWind project on its official platform, highlighting it as a success story in maritime innovation. AquaWind, funded by the EMFAF programme, is a pioneering project that integrates offshore renewable energy production with aquaculture, offering a multi-purpose solution that can serve as a reference for the Atlantic.
AquaWind: innovation in offshore energy and aquaculture
AquaWind combines the W2Power floating platform with an innovative aquaculture system. This solution incorporates a fish farming cage with novel materials and a high degree of digitalisation, allowing remote operation of both activities in the same maritime space.
To date, the project has achieved key milestones such as the structural improvement of the W2Power prototype and the development of an octagonal copper alloy aquaculture cage, designed to increase the efficiency and durability of the system. In addition, work has been done to reduce the carbon footprint of the multipurpose system, reinforcing AquaWind’s commitment to sustainability.
A strategic project for the Atlantic
The Atlantic Strategy, promoted by the European Commission, encourages cooperation between the Atlantic regions to promote sustainable growth in sectors such as renewable energy and the blue economy. In this context, AquaWind has been recognised as a flagship project, demonstrating its potential to transform the maritime industry with innovative and scalable solutions.
In addition to technological advances, AquaWind has developed a process of stakeholder participation, involving research centres, companies, regional authorities and maritime clusters from Spain, France and Portugal. Studies on business models, intellectual property rights and economic viability have also been initiated, paving the way for the future commercialisation of the technology.
Next steps and scalability
In order for AquaWind to move from the demonstration phase to commercial deployment, the expansion of pilot sites in the Atlantic basin, optimisation of the technology through advanced digitisation and large-scale environmental and economic assessment are envisaged.
With a budget of 1.33 million euros and the leadership of the Government of the Canary Islands (ACIISI), AquaWind continues to move towards the creation of a scalable and sustainable business model, aligned with EU sustainability objectives.
The publication of the Atlantic Strategy reinforces AquaWind’s role as a benchmark in maritime innovation, driving the transition towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy and aquaculture sector.