Denmark – Danish researchers make strides in producing food beneath the surface of the sea within Scandinavia’s largest offshore wind farm, Vattenfall’s Danish Kriegers Flak under the WIN@sea project.
This project integrates the production of seaweed, mussel cultivation, and an in-depth assessment of cod stocks, showcasing a harmonious coexistence of renewable energy and marine ecosystem enhancement.
The WIN@sea project, a collaboration involving Danish universities and companies, seeks to optimize the simultaneous production of fossil-free energy and sustainable food in offshore wind farms. The ambitious initiative aims to unlock the untapped potential within and around offshore wind installations, contributing to biodiversity while advancing the understanding of the marine environment.
Seaweed and mussel cultivation
Within the spaces between wind turbines, seaweed and mussel cultivation take center stage. These renewable resources are set to play a crucial role in providing sustainable food sources. Artificial stone reefs, protecting turbine foundations, serve a dual purpose as the researchers delve into their impact on biodiversity, particularly the cod stocks in the area.
The upcoming spring holds a significant milestone as the WIN@sea project anticipates the first seaweed harvest from Kriegers Flak. The harvested seaweed will undergo rigorous analysis to assess its quality as a food source.
Looking ahead, the project envisions the deployment of mussel cultivation lines, further diversifying the sustainable food offerings. Post-summer, recreational fishermen and researchers will venture into the offshore wind farm to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cod stocks, contributing valuable data to marine science.
Support
WIN@sea has garnered international attention, exemplified by a gathering of 47 researchers from over seven countries. Supported by Velux Fonden, Aage V. Jensen Naturfond, and the EU’s Olamur lighthouse project, this Danish collaboration serves as a beacon for sustainable practices within the global renewable energy landscape.
