Ocean Winds, a 50-50 joint venture between EDP Renováveis and Engie, is celebrating five years of successful operator of the 25MW WindFloat Atlantic project (pictured), the world’s first semi-submersible floating offshore wind farm, located approximately 20 kilometres off the coast of Portugal.
Since it began operations, the three turbines of WindFloat Atlantic have consistently delivered clean and reliable electricity, demonstrating both the technological maturity and commercial potential of floating offshore wind technology, Ocean Winds said.
With a total accumulated output of 345 GWh – enough to power 25,000 Portuguese households annually – the project continues to exceed expectations and further strengthen Portugal’s leadership in the energy transition.
Electricity production has steadily increased each year, reaching 78GWh in 2022, 80GWh in 2023, and 86GWh in 2024.
This fifth anniversary is marked by a series of official initiatives, including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the WindFloat Atlantic Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base.
The celebrations also include an institutional dinner aboard the Portuguese Navy’s NRP Sagres, a significant national symbol.
The dinner will bring together representatives from OW, its partners EDP Renováveis and Engie, project collaborators, the Portuguese central government, regional and local authorities, industry associations, academia, and the local community – representing some of the key stakeholders who have driven the project forward.
As part of the 5th anniversary celebration, Ocean Winds has released a report – WindFloat Atlantic: Five years generating clean energy. Living the power of floating offshore wind – highlighting key aspects of the project, including its economic, social, and environmental impact in Portugal, as well as its influence on the industry internationally.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, from the WindFloat1 prototype to today’s successful operations, the report reinforces WindFloat Atlantic’s role as a model for the future of commercial scale floating offshore wind energy projects.
This includes strengthening the European supply chain; delivering clean and efficient energy to Portuguese households; working with local communities for positive impact; and coexisting with the marine environment.
José Miguel Pinheiro, director of Ocean Winds for Iberia, said: “After five years of operation, we are proud of the performance of the WindFloat Atlantic project in producing clean energy.
“We feel part of a community that identifies with our work and the historical connection that Viana do Castelo and the country have with the sea.
“Today, we are now even more confident that the investment decision made in 2018 was the right one.
“The innovative nature of the project has provided valuable insights regarding the behaviour of floating technology, its interaction with the marine environment, and its potential for synergy with the community, both on land and at sea.
“All of this accumulated experience is crucial for future floating offshore wind projects.”