On 2 June, after months of meticulous planning, rigorous development, and obtaining all necessary permits, the AquaWind project reached a major milestone with the successful launch of its Multi-Use prototype at the ASTICAN shipyard facilities in the harbour of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. This event marks the beginning of the final testing phase, as the project awaits a suitable maritime weather window for offshore deployment at the Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (PLOCAN).
The innovative prototype integrates an enhanced version of the W2Power floating dual-turbine wind platform—developed by Spanish company EnerOcean—with a purpose-built aquaculture cage designed by the ASIICI/ULPGC team. The cage features novel mesh materials, advanced digitalisation for remote operation, and is ready for biological evaluation using both a model fish species and a high-value new species aimed at promoting aquaculture diversification.
W2Power is a proven floating wind technology, particularly well suited for multi-use applications. The platform has been retrofitted to incorporate aquaculture components. For the first time, this project will conduct proof-of-concept trials that combine marine energy production with live fish aquaculture in the Atlantic region.
“The prototype launch marks a foundational milestone in the AquaWind project. It demonstrates our readiness to move forward while ensuring that we take every technical and scientific measure before the offshore phase,” said Javier Fernández, Engineering Director at EnerOcean.
The project aims to demonstrate how wind energy production and fish farming can be remotely operated in the same maritime space, involving different fish species and evaluating how the two activities influence each other. The ultimate goal is to pave the way toward commercialising this Multi-Use solution.
Rigorous Testing Prior to Offshore Deployment
Before heading offshore, the prototype underwent rigorous testing at the Taliarte port test site (Gran Canaria), operated by the ECOAQUA Institute from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain.
In recent months, researchers from ACIISI/ECOAQUA at ULPGC have fine-tuned the remote operation systems of the AquaWind fish cage prototype. As part of their work, they conducted comparative biological assessments of fish performance in the AquaWind system versus conventional aquaculture cages at the Canexmar aquaculture farm site. These studies ensured optimal integration of the cage with the W2Power platform and validated its capacity to support healthy fish growth under controlled conditions.
“The land-based trials allowed us to validate the cage’s mechanical performance and digital systems, but more importantly, they provided critical insights into fish welfare and product quality,” said Dr. Javier Roo, AquaWind Coordinator and Principal Investigator at ACIISI/ULPGC.
By monitoring the biological performance of the fish, the team established baseline parameters for stress biomarkers and the biochemical composition of scales and flesh. These indicators will be essential for comparative studies during offshore deployment, ensuring that the AquaWind system meets biological standards for sustainable aquaculture.
The testing, which lasted over 180 days at the Taliarte harbour, focused on rearing the commercial model species Sparus aurata (gilt-head sea bream). Researchers tracked fish growth, biochemical markers, and overall health within the AquaWind prototype cage and compared the results to those from traditional cages.
This preparatory study was a crucial step in validating AquaWind’s aquaculture innovation before proceeding to full-scale offshore demonstrations.
Real-World Implementation and Testing
Following extensive design and development work, the successful launch of the Multi-Use prototype represents a major achievement. Implementing the aquaculture system involved not only physical construction, but also the integration of remote monitoring, feeding, and detection systems.
The next step involves towing the prototype to PLOCAN, where it will undergo a critical offshore testing phase lasting up to six months. During this period, researchers will assess fish growth, survival rates, and product quality, while also evaluating environmental impact and system durability under real maritime conditions. The initial test phase will focus on Sparus aurata, followed by preliminary trials with Seriola dumerili (greater amberjack), enabling a comprehensive performance assessment.
Additionally, researchers will study biofouling control on both the fish cage and the W2Power platform—an essential factor for maintaining operational efficiency. Data collected throughout the offshore testing will inform potential improvements to the system.
“We are entering a decisive phase that will deliver real-world data on the interplay between aquaculture and offshore renewable energy. These findings will inform the next generation of integrated marine infrastructure,” said the Engineering Director at EnerOcean.
A Key Step for Sustainability and the Blue Economy
The AquaWind Multi-Use concept tackles one of the European Union’s major challenges: optimising the sustainable and efficient use of marine space. By integrating renewable energy and aquaculture at a single location, the project significantly reduces its carbon footprint and aligns with EU climate and energy goals.
A Replicable Model for the Future
The launch of this prototype represents a fundamental step in redefining how marine spaces are managed in Europe and beyond. AquaWind not only tests the technical feasibility of multi-use infrastructures, but also lays the groundwork for future blue economy initiatives by promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
This milestone highlights the potential to transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy model. With this deployment, AquaWind positions itself as a key reference point for future developments in offshore multi-use solutions.
Towards the Future
Following successful offshore demonstrations, the next phase of the AquaWind project will focus on moving from pilot to pre-commercial and commercial deployment. This includes scaling up systems within the Atlantic Basin, enhancing digital tools and materials, and conducting in-depth environmental and economic analyses.
In addition, AquaWind will work on developing a scalable business model, strengthening stakeholder engagement through local benefits, and creating supportive regulatory frameworks. By applying circular economy principles, fostering international partnerships, and embedding sustainable practices, the project aims to become a global benchmark for multi-use offshore solutions.
“This is not the end but a beginning. AquaWind paves the way for broader applications in sustainable marine space management, setting the foundations for a scalable and replicable model across the Atlantic and other oceanic regions such as the Outermost Regions,” said Dr. Roo, Coordinator of the AquaWind Project.
About the Consortium
In addition to the aforementioned partners ACIISI, ULPGC, EnerOcean, CANEXMAR, and PLOCAN, the AquaWind project consortium also includes Consulta Europa, the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, WAVEC, and INNOSEA. These entities are actively contributing to the development of this pioneering initiative, which brings together offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.
The AquaWind project is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101077600. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.