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DemoSATH Lab recognized for promoting coexistence in Floating Wind Energy projects

Published in: Wind, Press Releases

DemoSATH Lab recognized for promoting coexistence in Floating Wind Energy projects image

Bilbao, March 25, 2025. DemoSATH Lab has been awarded at the World Maritime Week (WMW) and shortlisted for the prestigious Wind Investment Awards 2025 in the Technical Innovation category. These recognitions highlight the initiative's dedication to advancing offshore wind energy as a responsible and sustainable industry.

DemoSATH Lab is part of DemoSATH, a pioneering offshore wind energy project led by Saitec, in collaboration with RWE and The Kansai Electric Power Co. This initiative successfully deployed Spain's first floating wind turbine, capable of generating power for 2,500 households.

Located at the BiMEP testing platform, 2 miles off the Basque coast, the 2MW DemoSATH turbine is a significant step forward in floating wind technology. The project not only validates the SATH (Swing Around Twin Hull) floating platform design, but also integrates extensive research on environmental impact, biodiversity promotion, and coexistence with marine activities.

Innovative Initiatives for Sustainable Offshore Wind Development

To ensure the harmonious coexistence of offshore wind farms with marine ecosystems and local communities, DemoSATH Lab has implemented a series of groundbreaking initiatives, some supported by RWE, including:

Promoting Biodiversity with Hybrid Blue-Grey Infrastructure

The SATH Reef Unit is a nature-based solution (NbS) designed to enhance marine biodiversity and promote sustainable aquaculture. Constructed using recycled wind turbine blades and mollusk shells, this innovative artificial reef provides a vital habitat for marine species while also serving as a protective structure for subsea cables.

Sustainable Barnacle Cultivation & Multitrophic Aquaculture

DemoSATH Lab, in collaboration with local fishers and aquaculture experts, is pioneering sustainable barnacle farming methods with the goal of industrial-scale deployment on future floating platforms. The initiative also includes the cultivation of oysters, clams, mussels, and seaweed, contributing to marine food production while enhancing biodiversity.

Experimental Fisheries & Species Restoration

By working closely with local fishing communities and BiMEP, DemoSATH Lab is testing low-impact fishing techniques, including surface longlines and traps in wind farm areas. Additionally, efforts are underway to restore commercially valuable species such as lobster, octopus, sea urchins, and spider crabs, supporting marine resource sustainability and local economies.

Advanced Environmental Monitoring & Marine Research

To understand and mitigate the ecological impact of floating wind farms, DemoSATH Lab has deployed state-of-the-art environmental monitoring technologies, ensuring that offshore renewable energy development aligns with marine conservation efforts.

A Commitment to a Sustainable Energy Transition

The energy transition must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community engagement. DemoSATH Lab exemplifies how floating wind energy can integrate innovative solutions that support marine biodiversity, local economies, and sustainable development. By fostering collaboration and pioneering research, the initiative sets a new benchmark for responsible offshore wind projects, demonstrating that renewable energy and ocean conservation can thrive together.

Graphic material

•Project summary video
•Images of DemoSATH at BiMEP
•DemoSATH Lab short video

Please direct enquiries to:

Coral Jaén Head of communications and marketing Saitec Offshore Technologies

T. (+34) 94 464 65 11

M. (+34) 627 79 17 67

coraljaen@saitec.es

Saitec Offshore Technologies

Saitec Offshore Technologies is a spin-off of Saitec Engineering, an infrastructure engineering company with over 35 years of experience. Founded in 2016, Saitec Offshore Technologies specializes in floating offshore wind solutions and is committed to advancing the global adoption of offshore wind energy through SATH Technology (Swinging Around Twin Hull), an innovative and cost-efficient concrete floating platform.

SATH Technology is designed to overcome the limitations associated with water depth, making offshore wind projects more viable by reducing both CapEx and OpEx while enhancing local content. This game-changing solution increases accessibility to offshore wind energy and promotes economic benefits through local industry involvement.

The company is actively engaged in tender processes and commercial project development worldwide, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Spain, and the United States. The company operates a subsidiary in Japan, Saitec Offshore Japan KK, reinforcing its commitment to global expansion.

Visit Saitec Offshore Technologies Website

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