Offshore wind farm situated near Viana do Castelo enhances marine biological diversity
WindFloat Atlantic, a floating offshore wind farm, has reported stable fishing activities in Viana do Castelo since its operations began, as per a report from its majority shareholder. Research indicates that approximately 270 marine species, including seven non-native ones, are thriving in the area, with bird and marine mammal biodiversity significantly increasing.
Studies have recorded 33 bird species, a marked increase from the initial 17, with five species of marine mammals identified, including common dolphins, orcas, minke whales, and basking sharks. Interestingly, exotic species were found attached to the submerged sections of the platforms, creating benthic communities populated with mussels, sea stars, algae, and other marine life.
However, some bird species, such as gannets and large gulls, face a collision risk with turbines. Nevertheless, endangered species in the region fly at lower levels, minimizing their risk of collision.
Environmental monitoring, mandatory for projects like WindFloat Atlantic, has been in place since 2018, covering marine mammals, seabirds, water quality, noise impact, and more. Ongoing research, beginning in 2023, will integrate existing data and explore marine biodiversity and fishing activities further.
The wind farm, fully operational since 2020, has produced 245 GWh of electricity annually, powering 25,000 homes and preventing over 33,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This stark reduction in emissions underscores the potential significance of offshore wind energy deployment in balancing renewable energy expansion and environmental conservation.
- The thriving marine life in the region surrounding WindFloat Atlantic, a renewable-energy project, has attracted various exotic species, turning the submerged sections of the platforms into benthic communities teeming with mussels, sea stars, algae, and other marine life.
- The wind farm's operations have demonstrated a positive impact on the environment, producing 245 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power 25,000 homes and prevent over 33,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, contributing to climate-change mitigation efforts.
- The increase in marine biodiversity, including 33 bird species and five species of marine mammals, suggests that offshore wind farms may not only be sustainable sources of clean energy but could also play a role in environmental-science research, particularly in the realm of marine-mammal and seabird populations.
- The finance sector may find new opportunities in renewable-energy projects that successfully balance the industry's growth with the maintenance of a healthy environment, given the wind farm's positive environmental impact and its potential to further our understanding of marine biodiversity.
- In the realm of sustainable living, homeowners and gardeners may find inspiration in the WindFloat Atlantic project, demonstrating that renewable-energy deployments can coexist harmoniously with natural environments, promoting the growth of a greener lifestyle and a more sustainable world.
