Blue Energy Fellow Story: A Vision for a New Technology for Marine Renewable Energy

In the dynamic field of renewable energy, a new generation of pioneers is making waves. Among them are four young Blue Energy Fellows, each at the early stages of their promising careers – Marian Ignat, Slaviana Peeva, Martin Velichkov and Ciel Bovary.

These bright minds are not only pushing the boundaries of offshore wind technology but also carving out their paths as future leaders in sustainable energy. Join us as we explore their journeys, innovative projects, and the fresh perspectives they bring to the world of offshore wind in the Black Sea region and Central and Eastern Europe.

Slaviana Peeva is a researcher from Universidad de Cádiz, Spain, with a background in environmental history and maritime economics. Slaviana had recently completed a degree focused on the blue economy and was curious to learn more about marine renewable energy (wind, tidal, wave) and the process of engaging various stakeholders.

The Blue Energy Fellowship

During the fellowship, Slaviana deepened her understanding of the sustainable exploitation of sea resources and the optimal use of sea space. By researching the concept of Multi-Use, she learned about the socio-economic and environmental benefits of combining offshore wind energy with aquaculture and offshore wind with desalination plants, as well as the potential co-existence of offshore wind and nature.

“The scientific and technological capacity of integrating two major infrastructures such as a floating wind turbine and an aquaculture cage is a really exciting new field I would like to explore more. A consortium from the Canary Islands has been chosen to develop such a multi-use platform. It will conduct real-world tests for the first time after finishing my fellowship, integrating marine energy production with live fish aquaculture in the Atlantic region.”

Slaviana Peena

The floating wind turbine will harness wind energy to generate electricity, while the aquaculture cage will be used for farming fish. This dual-use of marine space can lead to significant economic and environmental benefits. For instance, the energy generated can power the aquaculture operations, reducing reliance on external energy sources and lowering the carbon footprint. Additionally, the presence of the aquaculture cage can enhance the local marine ecosystem by providing habitat and promoting biodiversity.

Slaviana is thrilled by the potential of this project to revolutionise the way we think about and utilize marine resources. She believes that such innovative solutions are crucial for achieving a sustainable and resilient blue economy, where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand.

A Key Takeaway or Memorable Story

One of the highlights from the fellowship for Slaviana was attending an MSP capacity-building workshop. The complexity of the studied coastline, with its numerous Natura 2000 sites, busy marine traffic, and rich underwater cultural heritage, showcased how balancing energy needs with environmental protection requires assessing a multitude of spatial factors and finding synergies among various economic actors.