Gazelle Wind Power has been authorised to launch a 2MW floating wind demonstrator off the coast of Agucadoura, Portugal.
The company has been granted a 10-year Tupem licence by the Portuguese authorities, clearing the way for the deployment of the 2MW Nau Azul floating wind demonstrator.
The project showcases the company’s next-generation floating offshore wind technology, which is aimed at unlocking deep-water wind resources to strengthen Europe’s energy security through scalable renewable power.
Issued by Portugal’s Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM), the Tupem authorisation grants Gazelle exclusive rights to occupy and utilise a designated area of national maritime space for the installation, operation and testing of its floating platform technology.
Gazelle said the project is a critical step toward demonstrating that its patented, lightweight, and modular design can unlock deep-water wind energy while also lowering the levelised cost of energy.
The Nau Azul project will feature Gazelle’s patented platform, which uses a unique geometry and counterweight system that reduces steel use, significantly cutting capex and simplifying industrialisation.
Gazelle said its compact design enables deployment from shallow ports, offering a smaller footprint and lower overall costs.
The project site, located in Aguçadoura, is a landmark for offshore energy innovation, having previously hosted WindFloat 1, one of Europe’s earliest floating wind pilot projects.
Gazelle Wind Power chief executive Jon Salazar said: “This Tupem authorisation marks a major milestone for our business and underscores Portugal’s leadership in offshore wind and its commitment to a secure, sustainable energy future.
“Securing the Tupem authorisation allows us to launch environmental monitoring and prepare for the installation of our full-scale, grid-connected demonstrator, which will serve as a blueprint for commercial deployments worldwide.
“It’s a major step forward in our roadmap to commercialisation.”
From manufacturing and assembly to marine operations and ongoing maintenance, the Nau Azul project will support employment opportunities in the Viana do Castelo area.
Gazelle Wind Power is based in Dublin and Viana do Castelo and also has a presence in Spain and London.