With the increasing competition for space at sea, seaweed and mussel farming in the sea between offshore wind turbines is likely to become a reality in the future.
A new study shows how it is possible to use offshore wind farms to produce food while meeting renewable energy needs. The WIN@sea research collaboration between Danish universities, mussel and seaweed producers, the Kattegatcentre, and Vattenfall cultivates edible seaweed on lines inside the perimeter of Vattenfall’s offshore wind farm Danish Kriegers Flak, located south of Zealand, Denmark.
In addition to the cultivation of seaweed and mussels, the research collaboration is also integrating marine environmental monitoring of the sea surrounding the Danish Kriegers Flak wind farm. The purpose is to monitor the effects of the turbine foundations and surrounding artificial reefs on marine life in the area. The freshly harvested seaweed will be used to make seaweed pasta and seaweed tortillas at the WIN@sea Family Ocean Cooking school.
