The MADE4WIND consortium gathered in Gran Canaria on December 3rd and 4th to advance its mission of driving innovation in sustainable offshore wind technology. Hosted by RES, the meeting combined insightful discussions on project progress with a visit to the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), a leading hub for marine renewable energy research.
Collaborative Progress and a Vision for Sustainability
On the first day, members met in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to review progress across work packages, reinforcing the project’s goal of enabling large-scale deployment of >15 MW floating offshore wind turbines through cutting-edge technologies.
The second day featured an exploration of PLOCAN’s advanced facilities. While rough sea conditions limited physical access to the offshore platform, participants experienced a virtual reality tour, showcasing innovations like the Elisa bottom-fixed wind turbine and the upcoming renewable hydrogen plant under the H2VERDE project.
PLOCAN: A Catalyst for Marine Renewable Energy
PLOCAN, located on Gran Canaria’s east coast, offers world-class research infrastructure, including a 23 km² offshore test site. Its onshore facilities and laboratories support advancements in ocean energy, autonomous marine technologies, and offshore hydrogen production.
MADE4WIND participants explored PLOCAN’s capabilities and its pivotal role in validating prototypes and fostering offshore wind innovation. This collaboration highlights the importance of shared resources and expertise in achieving renewable energy goals.
Transforming Offshore Wind with MADE4WIND
Funded under Horizon Europe, MADE4WIND is a four-year project with a €6 million budget, uniting 14 partners from 8 countries. The consortium integrates experts from academia, industry, and consultancy to revolutionize offshore wind technology with innovations such as:
- Recyclable, lightweight turbine blades.
- Compact drivetrains with reduced rare-earth material use.
- TLP substructures featuring lightweight components and advanced designs.
- Circular materials and processes, including innovative concretes and aluminum rebars.
- Digital tools for lifecycle cost analysis and remote monitoring.
By integrating circular economy principles, biodiversity protection, and stakeholder engagement, MADE4WIND is setting new standards for sustainability in offshore wind.
This meeting at PLOCAN underscores the consortium’s commitment to shaping a greener future for offshore wind energy, unlocking the potential for >15 MW floating wind farms worldwide.
Learn more about MADE4WIND and its journey toward sustainable offshore wind innovation.
