In a move that could redefine how space is used in maritime areas, the renewable energy sector and aquaculture industry are gearing up for an unprecedented piece of cooperation.
Swedish company Freja Offshore, a joint venture between Hexicon and Mainstream Renewable Power, has announced a collaboration with Norwegian aquaculture venture, Subfarm.
The aim is to establish fish farms within the Mareld floating offshore wind farm, in the North Sea, off the coast of Lysekil in Sweden. The site is projected to generate 2.5 GW of power.
This integration aligns with growing environmental and economic efficiency objectives. By co-locating wind farms and aquaculture operations, companies are looking to maximize the use of marine spaces, while minimizing environmental impacts. The initiative also addresses the dual challenges of meeting the increasing demand for renewable energy and sustainable seafood.
Freja Offshore’s Mareld project plans to strategically place fish farms between the wind turbine foundations, using independent anchoring systems. These farms are designed to adapt to the challenging conditions of the North Sea, drawing on experience from the oil and gas industry. The fish cages, capable of operating at depths of 50–70 meters, can be raised for inspections and harvesting, thereby ensuring operational efficiency and ease.
The co-location concept also has the potential to benefit marine ecosystems, with offshore wind farms having been observed to act as artificial reefs, bolstering local marine biodiversity.
