A groundbreaking project is set to commence this autumn, with the launch of the world’s first commercial seaweed farm within the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) wind farm, located approximately 18 kilometres off the Dutch coast between The Hague and Zandvoort. North Sea Farm 1, a pioneering venture by North Sea Farmers, aims to harness the unused space between wind turbines for seaweed cultivation, an effort supported by Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund.
This innovative floating farm, established in the midst of the HKZ wind turbines, will serve as a testing ground for improving seaweed farming techniques. Moreover, it will provide a platform for scientific research into the potential of seaweed farms to capture and sequester carbon dioxide, a crucial step in combatting climate change.
Maximising Potential in the North Sea
The project seeks to utilise the vast, untapped areas within wind farms in the North Sea, which is already one of the most heavily used bodies of water in the world. By 2040, the aim is to scale up production to one million tonnes of fresh seaweed per year, with the potential to sequester and avoid millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions.
A Collaborative Effort
Led by North Sea Farmers (NSF), the project brings together a consortium of scientific researchers and industry partners. The seaweed farm is expected to become operational by the end of the year, with aspirations that North Sea Farm 1 will serve as a model for replicating commercial seaweed cultivation offshore on a global scale.
The consortium driving this initiative includes experts from Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Deltares, and Silvestrum Climate Associates, alongside seaweed extract manufacturer Algaia, project developer Simply Blue Group, and maritime contractors Van Oord and Doggerland Offshore. Their collective expertise will be crucial in establishing a successful and sustainable seaweed farming operation in the challenging offshore environment.
Amazon’s Backing
In a significant investment, Amazon has contributed €1.5 million towards the creation of North Sea Farm 1. This funding also supports a year-long scientific research programme focused on understanding the CO2 reduction capabilities of seaweed cultivation, which could have far-reaching implications for the global fight against climate change.
North Sea Farmers’ Vision
Since its inception in 2014, North Sea Farmers, a non-profit organisation, has been at the forefront of promoting the European seaweed industry. With this latest venture, NSF continues to push the boundaries of sustainable farming, positioning seaweed as a key player in the future of renewable resources and carbon sequestration.
As the world looks for innovative solutions to address climate change, North Sea Farm 1 represents a promising step forward in sustainable farming and carbon management.