• WindFloat Atlantic (WFA) has exceeded energy production estimates during its five years of operation, with a total output of 345 GWh, supplying clean energy to the equivalent of 25,000 Portuguese households per year.
• The success of the project goes beyond technological innovation; it is also marked by the creation of a strong connection with the region and community in which it operates—through job creation, the training of skilled professionals, collaboration with academia, a commitment to the local community and environmental preservation.
May 14th, Viana do Castelo. Ocean Winds — a 50-50 joint venture between EDP Renováveis and ENGIE, and the main developer of the 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic project, the world’s first semi-submersible floating offshore wind farm, located approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Viana do Castelo — is celebrating five successful years of operation.
Since it began operations, the three turbines of WindFloat Atlantic have consistently delivered clean and reliable electricity, demonstrating both the technological maturity and commercial potential of floating offshore wind technology. With a total accumulated output of 345 GWh — enough to power 25,000 Portuguese households annually — the project continues to exceed expectations and further strengthen Portugal’s leadership in the energy transition. Electricity production has steadily increased each year, reaching 78 GWh in 2022, 80 GWh in 2023, and 86 GWh in 2024.
This fifth anniversary is marked by a series of official initiatives, including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the WindFloat Atlantic Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base — an event attended by the Mayor of Viana do Castelo, Dr. Luís Nobre, and the CEO of Ocean Winds, Craig Windram. The celebrations also include an institutional dinner aboard the Portuguese Navy’s NRP Sagres, a significant national symbol. The dinner will bring together representatives from OW, its partners EDP Renováveis and ENGIE, project collaborators, the Portuguese central government, regional and local authorities, industry associations, academia, and the local community — representing some of the key stakeholders who have driven the project forward.
As part of the 5th anniversary celebration, Ocean Winds has released a report — WindFloat Atlantic: Five Years of Producing Renewable Energy – Living Floating Offshore Wind Energy — highlighting key aspects of the project, including its economic, social, and environmental impact in Portugal, as well as its influence on the industry internationally. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, from the WindFloat1 prototype to today’s successful operations, the report reinforces WindFloat Atlantic’s role as a model for the future of commercial scale floating offshore wind energy projects.
In this context, five key areas stand out where WindFloat Atlantic has created value and driven the evolution of the sector:
- Strengthening the European supply chain: Jobs, human capital, and transferable expertise – With an investment of €125 million and the creation of 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, WindFloat Atlantic has supported the development of a resilient European supply chain. Working closely with national and international partners, the project demonstrates the potential of the floating offshore wind sector to generate knowledge and highly skilled green jobs.
- Delivering clean and efficient energy to Portuguese households – Committed to delivering clean energy, the project is marked by a continuous drive to improve performance and by maintenance operations that uphold the highest standards of safety and excellence.
- Working with local communities for positive impact – WindFloat Atlantic shows that offshore wind energy and local communities can thrive together—fuelled by collaboration and a shared commitment. This is evident in initiatives such as the “Wind Experts” educational program, which has already engaged 300 students from Viana do Castelo.
- Coexisting with the marine environment: Protecting and enhancing – Through its strong environmental commitment, WindFloat Atlantic ensures that the development and operation of the wind farm is carried out in harmony with the local ecosystem. Monitoring activities have led to the identification of over 270 species, demonstrating not only preservation but also a reserve effect in the project area. This reflects our dedication to environmental conservation and the sustainable coexistence of the wind farm with surrounding marine life.
- From Portugal to the world – Together with Portugal, WindFloat Atlantic proves that floating offshore wind is ready for commercial-scale projects both in the country and across the globe. It stands as real-world evidence of the technology’s global potential—as demonstrated by Ocean Winds’ growing commercial floating offshore wind portfolio.
- With this event, Ocean Winds not only celebrates its achievements to date but also reaffirms its commitment to leading the expansion of floating wind technology and promoting its full global potential.
José Miguel Pinheiro, Director of OW for Iberia, stated: “After five years of operation, we are proud of the performance of the WindFloat Atlantic project in producing clean energy. We feel part of a community that identifies with our work and the historical connection that Viana do Castelo and the country have with the sea. Today, we are now even more confident that the investment decision made in 2018 was the right one. The innovative nature of the project has provided valuable insights regarding the behaviour of floating technology, its interaction with the marine environment, and its potential for synergy with the community, both on land and at sea. All of this accumulated experience is crucial for future floating offshore wind projects.”
The Mayor of Viana do Castelo, Dr. Luís Nobre, stated: “The Municipality of Viana do Castelo congratulates the 5th anniversary of WindFloat Atlantic, a pioneering and innovative project that has established itself as a global benchmark in the field of offshore wind energy. Having this world-class infrastructure installed off our coast is a great source of pride, as it strengthens the position of Viana do Castelo and OW at the forefront of technology and global energy sustainability. Without a doubt, it is a privilege to be part of this cutting-edge and progressive journey.”
Access the report here: https://oceanwinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Cinco-Anos-WindFloat-Atlantic-EN.pdf
