In the field of offshore wind farms, the idea of co-use is gaining traction as a notable innovation. A prime example of this is the seaweed farm in our offshore wind farm, the #HollandseKustZuid. This project, initiated by North Sea Farmers and funded by Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, is a floating farm situated among wind turbines, where the cultivation of seaweed can be experimented with and enhanced. This enables the efficient utilization of available space, while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity and improving water quality. Moreover, the seaweed absorbs CO2, playing a vital role in the fight against climate change. The farm is set to open this autumn.
In addition to wind energy at Vattenfall we are also investigating the feasibility of floating solar panels within these offshore settings. This not only optimizes the use of space but also leverages the plentiful sunlight in these open areas, further diversifying our renewable energy sources.
There are other examples of co-use in offshore wind parks as well. One such instance is the production of green hydrogen directly within the wind park, which simplifies and reduces transportation costs. Another is the use of the space between wind turbines for food production, such as shellfish and fish.
The concept of co-use goes beyond simple space sharing. It involves creating synergies between various activities. For example, the bases of the turbines can be designed to serve as habitats for marine life, thereby boosting biodiversity.
It’s clear that co-use in offshore wind parks presents a promising path forward. It allows us to generate sustainable energy while simultaneously contributing to food security and environmental protection.
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#SustainableEnergy #Seaweed #CoUse #FloatingSolar
Artist’s Impression of a seaweed farm by Smartland Landscape Architecture
