The WindFloat Atlantic floating wind project has exceeded anticipated production figures in its four years of operation.
The 25MW facility has notched up a total cumulative production of 320GWh since July 2020.
WindFloat Atlantic’s three turbines have been supplying power to the Portuguese national grid, demonstrating the potential of floating wind technology.
Each January, it has been reported that the project’s electricity production has steadily increased, reaching 78GWh in 2022 and 80GWh in 2023.
In July 2024, it recorded a total cumulative production of 320GWh, providing power each year to over 25,000 households in Viana do Castelo and creating 1500 direct and indirect jobs.
Notably, in 2023, during Storm Ciaran, the site withstood waves reaching 20 metres in height and wind gusts of up to 139km per hour, demonstrating its resilience and robustness.
In alignment with its goals, Ocean Winds remains committed to monitoring and enhancing the environmental performance of the WindFloat Atlantic wind farm throughout its lifecycle.
The project has been shown to have minimal impact on the seabed and biodiversity, as evidenced by ongoing surveys identifying over 270 species successfully coexisting with the project and with no significant adverse effects on marine mammals or endangered bird species.
Additionally, studies show the floating structures have fostered marine life, contributing to a conservation and reef effect underwater.
On this fourth anniversary, Ocean Winds reaffirmed its dedication to the local community by appointing Pedro Afonso, an internationally recognized kitesurfer from Viana do Castelo, as its first ambassador.
Afonso will advocate for offshore wind energy and its benefits both within the city and on a global scale.
Country manager for Southern Europe and WindFloat Atlantic project director Jose Miguel Moreira Pinheiro said: “We are proud to see that our project progresses each year toward having a more positive impact.
“At OW, we are deeply committed to ensuring that our project benefits not only the environment but also the community.
“This commitment is reflected in our development of educational programs, coordination of visits, and engagement with the local community in Viana, ensuring that they actively participate in this local initiative with international significance.”