Progress on Legal Permits and Social Participation

The AquaWind team has intensified its collaboration with regional and national authorities to ensure that the upcoming pilot demonstrator of the multi-use project solution complies with needed regulations. The multi-use prototype will be tested in Gran Canaria, in the test site area of the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN). Almost all legal permits have been achieved so far, and the project is only pending one latest permission for aquaculture-related activities.

In parallel, social engagement actions have continued mainly through dedicated stakeholder events and outreach activities at regional and European levels. The results of the project’s pre-demonstration survey have also been collected and analysed. The next step will be to launch a post-demonstration survey to be promoted next year, after the end of the testing phase of the AquaWind multi-use prototype.

All these initiatives aim to encourage the active participation of and feedback collection from society and local authorities in the development of the project, creating a closer link between the communities and the technological advances implemented.

Improvements to the W2Power Prototype

One of the most important milestones has been the substantial improvement in the design and structure of the pre-existing W2Power offshore energy prototype, to be integrated with the aquaculture solution. This floating wind platform integrates various elements, such as mooring systems, wind turbines, solar panels, and floating structures, in a model that efficiently combines different energy sources. All the upgrades and adjustments to the W2Power device have been successfully attained, and particularly multi-disciplinary project teams have worked hard on upgraded solutions for the mooring of the prototype in combination with the aquaculture cage. These developments, therefore, not only reinforce the viability of the multi-use project testing but also open up new possibilities for transforming the wind energy sector.

Innovations in Aquaculture

In aquaculture, the design and first tests of a new aquaculture cage prototype have been completed. This innovative octagonal structure, made of copper alloy netting, is designed to improve the durability and efficiency of the aquaculture system. It also features an autonomous feeding system and a high level of digitalisation, allowing efficient remote control of operations. The initial tests on the newly developed aquaculture cage were carried out at the Taliarte port facilities in Gran Canaria and served to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technology, marking a key step in the progress of the project.

Towards a Circular Model

AquaWind has also developed an initial circular model that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the project multipurpose system. This approach encompasses both the materials and processes used, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy, thus reinforcing the project's commitment to innovation and sustainability. This model will be further expanded and fine-tuned based on the environmental impact monitoring and assessment conducted during the multi-use pilot testing phase.

AquaWind, in collaboration with the European sister project FLORA (FLOating RAdar), organised a webinar on 20th June 2024, focusing on Multipurpose Ocean Platform Demonstrators. This event highlighted multi-purpose ocean projects and market opportunities related to joint uses of the marine environment in the European Union.

Members of the AquaWind consortium participated in the workshops on ‘Gender Equality in the Blue Economy’, organised in the framework of the WINBLUE project, to promote the adoption of equality plans in the blue economy private sector and to strengthen public-private partnerships. The event highlighted the community's commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy.

AquaWind was also presented last June 18th 2024 in Rome by the Managing Director of Consulta Europa, Beatrice Avagnina. The presentation took place in front of the colleagues of the Horizon 2020 ATHENA project, focusing on promoting gender equality in the research field, with the intention to create synergies between the blue economy and gender equality.

WINBLUE is a sustainability-oriented project that aims to reduce gender inequalities and accelerate women's empowerment in the blue economy. It facilitates their participation in five key sectors: blue circular bioeconomy and biotechnology, aquaculture and fisheries, marine renewable energy, sustainable coastal tourism, and cutting-edge technology to protect and restore marine ecosystems. Gender equality not only creates more jobs, but also increases productivity in a number of areas. Despite progress, there is still a long way to go to achieve full gender equality in EU Member States.

PHAROS is a recently EU-funded project led by the PLOCAN, which will be implemented by a consortium of 24 organisations from September 2024 to August 2029. It aims to provide nature-based solutions to restore ecosystems and biodiversity, while addressing climate change and human impacts in the Atlantic and Arctic marine regions. This project aligns with the ambitious objectives of the European Union's Ocean Mission. PHAROS aims to protect marine ecosystems and promote a sustainable, carbon-neutral blue economy.

H2Heat is an innovative project that seeks to transform energy consumption and environmental responsibility in the Canary Islands, promoting the generation of renewable energy, the production of green hydrogen and the decarbonisation of hospital facilities. In collaboration with the Canary Islands Health Service, H2Heat's mission is to demonstrate the complete process of green hydrogen, from its production to its application in the heating of commercial buildings. The project is committed to creating a replicable model for hydrogen adoption, fostering sustainable business models and reducing the total cost of hydrogen ownership. Through the collective experience of its partners, H2Heat is working towards a greener future in the Canary Islands. 

15 May 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), a milestone that has transformed Europe's blue economy and fisheries. Since 2014, the EMFF has driven scientific research and innovative solutions for marine sustainability. This celebration allows AquaWind to reflect on achievements attained and reaffirm the EU commitment to protect the oceans. Find out how this fund has evolved into the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and its positive impact on marine sustainability.

In response to demands from aquaculture producers to ease regulatory burdens, the European Commission has presented two innovative working documents aimed at boosting the sustainable expansion of aquaculture in EU member states. 

On 31st May 2024, the European Commission presented the latest edition of the EU Blue Economy Report, which reveals a promising horizon for economic sectors based on oceans, seas and coasts. This comprehensive analysis, prepared by the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the Joint Research Centre, highlights the crucial role of innovation and sustainability in the growth of the blue economy.

In the last quarter of the year, AquaWind is on the home stretch of several key milestones. Here is a sneak preview of what is to come:

The essential phase of the AquaWind project is moving forward with the installation of the multi-use pilot demonstrator at the PLOCAN test platform, estimated for November 2024. This pilot entails testing, for the first time in the EU, a multi-use solution combining offshore wind energy and aquaculture.

Two key tasks are currently underway: the collection of the final legal permit needed to proceed with testing and the preparation and logistical operations for the pilot phase, ensuring that everything is ready for installation.

Stay tuned for more updates on AquaWind's website, where you will find the latest developments of the project.