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The DemoSATH floating offshore wind turbine has been operational off the Basque coast since September 2023. Now, Spanish engineering firm Saitec Offshore Technologies and global offshore wind player RWE have launched the “DemoSATH Lab” initiative to conduct further environmental monitoring studies around the demonstrator. The DemoSATH Lab will study the platform’s interactions with the environment, focusing on potential impacts on birds, underwater noise emissions, and interactions of marine life with the structure. This program will continue until at least the end of 2025 to encompass multiple seasons and weather conditions.
Javier Del Real, Head of Environment and Stakeholder Engagement at Saitec Offshore Technologies, said,: “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”.
Martin Dörnhöfer, Director of Floating Wind at RWE Offshore Wind GmbH, added, “As a leading global offshore wind player, we are also pioneering in floating offshore wind. Through the DemoSATH project, we are gaining first-hand experience in the deployment and operations of floating offshore wind technology on the open sea. The DemoSATH Lab research will help us to increase our understanding of key biodiversity aspects of floating offshore wind turbines, such as underwater noise and bird interactions during operation. This will help us to ensure our future development of floating offshore wind is undertaken in coexistence with nature.”
