OX2 has started a cooperation regarding wind energy projects in Öland

OX2 has started a collaboration around a research station in Björkskär in northern Öland. The aim is to develop and test ways to increase biodiversity in connection with the two offshore wind projects Noatun Nord and Syd that OX2 is developing off Öland.

OX2 is collaborating with Under the Surface and Nemo Seafarms to develop the research station. Both companies are developing commercial algae and seaweed farming along with ecosystem services, such as fish habitats and blue mussel farming that take nutrients from the sea and reduce the effects of eutrophication.

In collaboration with the companies, OX2 will now look at how the operation can be combined with large-scale offshore wind power to enhance the ecosystem and increase biodiversity in the Baltic Sea. Coral reefs around the turbine foundations and codfish hotels are other areas that will be examined within the project.

– The conclusions drawn from the project will have a direct impact on the construction of the Noatun wind farms in Öland, as well as on the Halla, Laine and Tyrsky wind farms in the Finnish Gulf of Bothnia, as well as on the projects that OX2 is developing in Sweden, says Lotta Numlin, marine biologist OX2 Öland .

– It will be interesting to get a concrete start on this exciting project where we can really test and explore how best to create cross-functional ecosystems in combination with two growing industries; Wind farms and algae farming, says Magnus Hanstén, founder of Nemo Seafarms.

– We will build opportunities for large-scale cultivation of macroalgae and hope that Åland Islanders, visitors and residents around the Baltic Sea will be able to buy seaweed and algae produced in these regions at their nearest grocery store in the future, says Joel Lindholm, founder of Under Ytan.

In addition to the underwater work and analyzes being carried out, events related to algae as food will also be held, as well as preparation for future tourist attractions to marine parks.