Offshore wind turbine does double duty as fish farm

Updated: Oct 7, 2023 By Chen Meiling in Beijing and Hu Meidong in Fuzhou China Daily Print

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An offshore wind power facility in Fujian province uses its spare space at the bottom to raise fish. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At full capacity, it will produce 20 million kilowatt-hours annually to serve needs across the country, he said, adding that the equipment can be operated by remote control or in fully automatic mode.

"Raising fish requires a large amount of water, so by making use of the spare space below the floating platform we can improve utility efficiency and maximize the benefits. Also, the deep sea has good water quality for fish farming," he said. The primary fish to be raised and sold are yellow croakers.

The project created a new model to "produce green products underwater and clean energy on water", offering an example of sustainable comprehensive utilization of coastal areas for the country to realize the unity of ecological, economic and social benefits, experts said.

With a weight of 4,900 metric tons and a longer tower barrel than an ordinary wind power project, it caused great challenges in transportation and handling and brought difficulties to offshore towing and navigation safety assurance work.

The floating platform and the 4MW wind turbine completed assembly at the Jinjing wharf in Pingtan, before being towed to Putian and connected to the suction anchor buckets in late September.

"To ensure orderly progress of the integrated wind and fishery project, we provided one-on-one services, guiding the construction company to optimize navigation safety plans before installation, and efficiently handling permits for water-based and underwater activities," said Wu Jianbi, director of the navigation management office of the Putian Maritime Safety Administration.

The maritime department also arranged for on-site patrol boats to conduct surveillance and utilize ship traffic management systems to organize maritime traffic. Staff members issue navigation warnings, reminding vessels passing through the area to avoid and strengthen the management of construction vessels and crew to ensure the smooth progress of the project, Wu added.

Contact the writers at chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn