Scarborough Seaweed Farming Firm - Seagrown - is to use it's technology to help improve the biodiversity of offshore windfarms.
The firm has won a competition staged by power giant RWE to find innovative solutions to enhance biodiversity at wind farms.
Wave Crooks from Seagrown says they've been able to adapt their seaweed planting system for the project.
The groundbreaking collaboration will explore the potential of seaweed in restoring marine ecosystems.
This collaboration stems from 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, an innovative seaweed cultivation system, was chosen for its potential to revitalise marine habitats and contribute to a healthier ocean environment.
Wave Crooks from Seagrown says it's a boost for the area's offshore economy.
SeaGrown's unique offshore cultivation system, is already in use on the Yorkshire Coast, it not only enhances biodiversity by providing vital habitats for marine life but also contributes to carbon capture, improves water quality, and enables 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.
Wave says adapting their system, which was initially designed for seaweed cultivation and farming, for use in the offshore wind industry is an exciting and unique development.
Professor Laura Robinson, SeaGrown’s Director of Marine Science said:
"We are thrilled to embark on this exciting collaboration with RWE,"
"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."
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, said:
“As one of the world leaders in 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.
Wave says that winning such a highly contested global competition is a real boost for both Seagrown and the local marine economy.
The SeaGrown team will now 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
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