RWE, Saitec to conduct environmental monitoring at floating wind demo

German energy group RWE AG (ETR:RWE) and Spanish engineering firm Saitec Offshore Technologies today announced the launch of an initiative to conduct further environmental monitoring studies at the DemoSATH floating offshore wind turbine in Spain.

The DemoSATH platform, featuring a 2-MW turbine, has been operational at a testing area off the Basque coast, northern Spain, since September 2023.

The new DemoSATH Lab research initiative will explore the platform's interactions with the environment with a focus on the possible impact on birds, the emission of underwater noise and the interactions of marine life with the structure, the companies explained. Its duration will be until at least the end of 2025.

“The knowledge acquired, based on the experience in DemoSATH Lab will allow Saitec Group to improve the ecological fit of SATH technology and develop floating offshore wind projects respectful to the marine environment,” said Javier Del Real, head of environment and stakeholder engagement at Saitec Offshore Technologies.

Martin Doernhoefer, director of floating wind at RWE Offshore Wind GmbH, commented that through the DemoSATH project, the company is gaining first-hand experience in deploying and operating floating offshore wind technology, while the DemoSATH Lab research will enhance its understanding of key biodiversity aspects, such as underwater noise and bird interactions.

RWE is the developer of the DemoSATH project, together with Kansai Electric Power Co Inc (KEPCO).

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