Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 13, Gazelle Wind Power has secured a 10-year TUPEM authorization for its Nau Azul demonstrator project in Portugal, a significant step forward for the floating wind energy initiative. Issued by Portugal’s Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM), the authorization grants Gazelle Wind Power Portugal, S.A., exclusive rights to a designated maritime area for testing its innovative floating wind technology.
Located off the coast of Aguçadoura, the 2MW Nau Azul project aims to advance Gazelle’s platform, showcasing its ability to deliver cost-effective floating wind energy. The company’s design features a central counterweight connected to tripodal arms anchored to the seabed, allowing the platform to adjust to waves by moving horizontally and vertically. This approach minimizes tilting, enhancing stability and performance.
The platform’s compact design supports deployment from shallow ports, which can reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Gazelle’s efforts focus on refining this technology to make floating wind power more accessible and economically viable for global markets.
Jon Salazar, CEO of Gazelle Wind Power, stated: “This TUPEM authorization marks a major milestone for our business…Securing the TUPEM authorization allows us to launch environmental monitoring and prepare for the installation of our full-scale, grid-connected demonstrator, which will serve as a blueprint for commercial deployments worldwide. It’s a major step forward in our roadmap to commercialization.” The approval enables the company to move toward environmental assessments and installation planning, laying the groundwork for future projects.
The Nau Azul project also contributes to economic growth in Viana do Castelo, fostering skilled job opportunities in the region. By developing its technology locally, Gazelle supports Portugal’s renewable energy goals while creating a foundation for sustainable employment.
This milestone aligns with Gazelle’s mission to innovate in the floating wind sector. The company’s platform is designed to lower the levelized cost of electricity, making renewable energy more competitive. As the project progresses, it will provide valuable data to refine the technology for broader applications.
Portugal’s support for the Nau Azul project highlights its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. The collaboration between Gazelle and local authorities ensures that the initiative meets environmental and technical standards, paving the way for scalable floating wind projects worldwide.
