The path to AquaWind’s final success took a monumental leap forward in mid-October 2025 with the successful towing and offshore installation of our prototype at the PLOCAN test site. The AquaWind prototype was successfully towed offshore to begin its crucial real-sea testing phase. Integrating EnerOcean’s W2Power twin-turbine platform with an advanced aquaculture cage developed by the ACIISI/ULPGC team, the deployment represented a pioneering step toward optimising maritime space. It was this exact operational milestone that laid the groundwork for our subsequent project awards and successful biological trials.

Among the defining highlights of our journey was the recognition of AquaWind at the 12th Atlantic Stakeholder Platform Conference in Galway. The project was honored with the prestigious 2025 Atlantic Project Award in the Marine Renewable Energy category, celebrating our pioneering prototype that successfully integrates offshore renewable energy with sustainable aquaculture. This accolade underscored the project's contribution to Europe’s maritime future and its role in demonstrating how multi-use marine spaces can drive both economic and environmental value.

A key highlight of AquaWind’s technical development was the successful deployment of sea bream juveniles into the offshore multi-use prototype on January 28, 2026. By moving the technology into a real marine environment, the project was able to thoroughly assess the operational synergy between aquaculture and offshore energy. The parameters monitored during this phase—ranging from fish growth to environmental sustainability—provided the essential data needed for future scaling and replication.

Beyond our offshore operations, AquaWind actively took the stage at major regional and international forums to drive dialogue on the blue economy. Here is a timeline of our recent project engagements, academic contributions, and our grand finale event.

The project’s 45-month journey culminated on May 5, 2026, at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the AquaWind final event took place. The gathering brought together European and regional institutional leaders to celebrate the project's success in proving the real-world viability of combining floating offshore wind with aquaculture. From surviving 6.5-meter waves to gathering key data on environmental sustainability, high-quality fish growth, and positive social acceptance, the final event showcased how the Canary Islands have become a true innovation hub for Europe's maritime sector.

Watch the event recordings and webstream here:

Experience the scale of our offshore operations through our latest demonstration video. With no commentary needed, this two-minute compilation captures the raw footage of the prototype’s journey—from its final structural preparations at the port to the precise, complex towing operation and successful anchoring at the PLOCAN open-sea test site.

Co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No 101077600. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.