Seaweed farmer in offshore wind collaboration

Yorkshire-based SeaGrown and RWE, a wind energy developer are collaborating on a project to assess whether offshore energy installations could be used to help revitalise marine habitats.

 

The move follows RWE’s global "Co-use Competition," which sought innovative solutions to enhance biodiversity and promote co-existence with other sea users in offshore wind farms. 

 

From a pool of 77 applicants from 17 countries, SeaGrown and Cosma, a French company specialising in underwater drone technology, were selected as winners. SeaGrown’s winning solution was an innovative kelp cultivation system.

 

SeaGrown said its unique system is tried, tested, reliable, and already in use on the Yorkshire Coast. It is intended not only to enhance biodiversity by providing vital habitats for marine life but also to contribute to carbon capture, improve water quality, and enable harmonious co-existence with other sea users. 

 

The system’s design minimises navigational risks and allows for the cultivation of North Sea native species year-round, even in challenging offshore conditions, the company said.

 

"We are thrilled to embark on this exciting collaboration with RWE," said Professor Laura Robinson, SeaGrown’s Director of Marine Science. "This project allows us to combine our passion for ocean restoration with RWE’s commitment to sustainable energy production. By working together, we can unlock the immense potential of seaweed to enhance biodiversity, create thriving marine ecosystems, and support a healthier planet."

 

“As one of the world leaders in offshore wind,” said Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, “We see sustainability and biodiversity enhancement as integral parts of the development, construction, and operation of our wind farms. From a large number of high-quality applications, Cosma and SeaGrown emerged as the winners. With their innovative ideas and new technologies, they will help to create a positive impact on marine life and offer opportunities for local marine stakeholders. We strongly believe in working together to make a real difference for nature and future energy supplies.”

 

As a winner of the competition, SeaGrown will receive funding from RWE to conduct feasibility studies, investigating how their solution could be deployed within an RWE offshore wind farm in the future. The SeaGrown team will work closely with RWE’s in-house experts, operational sites, and project development teams to develop solutions that can be applied to RWE’s offshore wind projects to enhance sustainability.