The Future of Food and Energy: How Ocean-Based Aquaculture and Offshore Wind Farms Are Reshaping Asia and the World

Asia Development Bank invests in Australis’ climate-resilient, ocean-based barramundi and seaweed aquaculture in Vietnam.

In 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) invested US$15 million in working capital to support Australis in advancing climate-resilient, ocean-based barramundi and seaweed aquaculture in Vietnam. Additionally, a US$3 million grant from the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF), administered by ADB, will further bolster the initiative.

“Three billion people worldwide rely on seafood for protein, yet global fish stocks are declining due to overfishing and rising temperatures,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “ADB’s support will help Vietnam develop sustainable aquaculture, focusing on large-scale farming of high-value species for export. Aquaculture provides a low-carbon protein source, and tropical ocean farming is more resilient to climate risks. This marks ADB’s first aquaculture equity investment in Vietnam, and we are proud to collaborate with Australis.”  (ADB)

ADB Investment as working capital for Australis to expand Aquaculture farming of Barramundi in Van Phong Bay Vietnam

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and food security, two industries—aquaculture and offshore wind energy—are converging in innovative ways to meet rising global demand. In Asia and beyond, these sectors are evolving rapidly, driven by technology, climate goals, and economic opportunities.

Asia Leads the Way in Aquaculture Growth

Asia is the powerhouse of global aquaculture, accounting for over 90% of total production. Countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India are at the forefront, leveraging intensive fish and shellfish farming to feed growing populations and expand exports. Innovations such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), AI-powered monitoring, and automated feeding systems are enhancing productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Examples include China’s Smart Fishery Initiative, which integrates AI and big data to optimize fish farming conditions, and Vietnam’s shrimp aquaculture expansion, where sustainable practices like biofloc technology are being widely adopted to improve yield while minimizing disease risks.

Among the most commonly farmed species in Asia are tilapia, carp, catfish, and shrimp, with China leading global production in carp and tilapia. Vietnam and Thailand are major exporters of shrimp, while Indonesia and India focus on catfish and prawn farming. Additionally, Japan and South Korea have developed sophisticated aquaculture systems for high-value species like yellowtail, sea bream, and abalone.

Despite progress, the sector faces challenges, including disease outbreaks, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Governments and private investors are pushing for more sustainable solutions, with initiatives like integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)—where different species are farmed together to create a balanced ecosystem—gaining traction.

Offshore Floating and Fixed Wind Farms: Powering

 

China Mingyang-OceanX-floating-wind-platform

The offshore wind industry is booming, with Asia leading the charge alongside Europe and North America. China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are investing heavily in floating wind turbines and mega wind farms to meet renewable energy targets. In 2023 alone, China installed over 5 GW of offshore wind capacity, cementing its position as the world’s leader in the sector.

China currently operates 129 offshore wind farms, with some integrating aquaculture, making it the largest offshore wind producer globally. A key example is China’s Jiangsu Dafeng Offshore Wind Farm combines a floating wind turbine with net cages for raising fish, which generates enough electricity to power millions of homes.

300MW offshore wind farm in Changyi, Shandong Province completed in 2022, was the the first domestic pilot project combining offshore wind power and marine ranching – a type of aquaculture that involves the cultivation of marine organisms for food and other products.

Similarly, Japan’s Akita Noshiro Offshore Wind Farm, the country’s first commercial-scale project, is set to accelerate offshore wind adoption in the region. Japan has 23 Areas under consideration for Offshore Wind Farms.

Beyond Asia, Europe continues to dominate offshore wind technology, with countries like the UK, Denmark, Scotland and Germany pioneering large-scale developments. The U.S. under President Trump 2.0 announced halting / scrapping all offshore wind farms.

The Emerging Trend: Co-Locating Aquaculture with Offshore Wind Farms

 

World’s first floating wind power-fishery integrated platform in China

A new trend is emerging at the intersection of these industries: combining aquaculture with offshore wind farms. This innovative approach optimizes space in coastal waters while creating synergies between food and energy production.

Notable projects include:

  • China’s Donghai Bridge Wind Farm, which integrates aquaculture by cultivating shellfish and seaweed in the surrounding waters.
  • The Netherlands’ North Sea Aquaculture-Wind Hybrid Project, where mussel farming and seaweed cultivation coexist within offshore wind farms.
  • Norway’s Ocean Farm 1, a semi-submersible fish farm designed to operate in open ocean conditions, potentially integrating with offshore wind infrastructure in the future.

Experts argue that co-locating these industries could help meet the world’s growing seafood demand while enhancing marine biodiversity. However, Government Green-Tape concerns remain, regarding regulatory frameworks, environmental impact assessments, and potential conflicts with other maritime industries.

What’s Next?

As the world shifts towards greener energy and sustainable food production, the collaboration between aquaculture and offshore wind farms could redefine the way we utilize ocean resources. With continued investment, research, and government backing, this synergy may become a key strategy in achieving global food security and net-zero emissions goals.

Asia’s leadership in both industries suggests it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this integrated approach. As innovations continue, the rest of the world is watching closely—because what happens in Asia could set the stage for a more sustainable global economy.

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