KelpWind
KelpWind explores how floating offshore wind and kelp cultivation can coexist sustainably in Norwegian marine areas. Through collaboration between researchers, industry partners, and public authorities, the project will develop knowledge and solutions to regulatory, technological, and environmental challenges, enabling future sustainable multi-use of ocean space.
- Project period
- -
- Funders
- Norges forskningsråd
- Total budget (NOK)
- 1,600,000
- Research section
- Microalgae
- Contact persons
-
Sunniva Tangen Haldorsen
Adam Jon Andrews
Trine Bekkby
Diya Chakravorty
Bård Hobæk
Maaike Knol-Kauffman
Solrun Figenschau Skjellum
About the project
Norway has ambitious goals for economic growth from ocean-based industries, such as i.a. offshore wind (predominantly floating offshore wind), and kelp aquaculture, whilst also planning to establish more marine protected areas. These activities compete for space at sea. The environmental impacts of kelp farming within floating offshore wind farms are unknown, technical solutions for co-location are still emerging, and there is no clear system for planning or licensing offshore wind and kelp farms at the same site.
KelpWind brings together researchers, industry and other players to solve these challenges. The project will study how to align regulations, evaluate environmental risks, design shared infrastructure, and monitor kelp growth in rough offshore-like conditions. By developing governance frameworks, station-keeping solutions, and remote monitoring strategies, KelpWind will enable sustainable multi-use of ocean space.
The impact of this project extends far beyond Norway. Insights from KelpWind can support other regions facing similar spatial conflicts at sea, advancing renewable energy, sustainable food production, and marine conservation. This project strengthens Norway’s leadership in sustainable ocean management.
This collaborative project is led by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research with research partners Akvaplan-niva, and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, as well as non-academic partners Equinor Energy AS, Ocean Forest AS, Norwegian Offshore Wind AS, the Norwegian Seaweed Cluster and the National Competence Center for Offshore Wind (HavvindNO).
