Recently, a new installation has arrived at the Canary Islands Offshore Platform Test Site in Spain. The successful deployment of a floating wind turbine integrated with an aquaculture platform marks a crucial step forward for Europe in advancing the integration of offshore wind power and aquaculture from concept to practice.

The platform integrates two core modules: First is the “W2Power” dual-turbine floating wind turbine developed by Spain’s EnerOcean; Second, the aquaculture net pens designed by the GOBCAN_ACIISI/ULPGC team.

According to reports, the platform's net pens utilize new-generation netting materials and a digital remote control system. Designed with biological research in mind, they can cultivate a variety of fish species, including high-value-added varieties, thereby helping to diversify aquaculture models.

Subsequent platform testing will focus on the interaction between wind power generation and live fish farming, exploring ways for coordinated management of both through remote control systems. The test data obtained will be used to optimize the platform prototype, paving the way for subsequent commercial applications. It is expected to be deployed in the Atlantic Ocean in the future.

The promotion of such integrated offshore wind power utilization projects is expected to accelerate the global development of offshore wind energy, while also driving sustained growth in market demand for key components such as core bearings for wind turbines.

HKW, a European wind turbine bearing technology leader originating from Germany with over a century of heritage, has introduced a compact transmission chain solution featuring three-row cylindrical main bearings. This solution not only resolves load challenges through the high load-bearing capacity of three-row cylindrical main bearings but also achieves over 50% weight reduction in the transmission chain. Furthermore, its compact structure adapts to nacelle space constraints, perfectly aligning with the industry's demand for larger and lighter wind turbines.

In the future, HKW will leverage its expertise in three-row cylindrical main bearing technology to provide comprehensive support for more wind power projects, driving the high-quality development of the wind energy industry.