ATLANTIC_CH01_Product_4 / Map of offshore windfarm siting suitability in the area off S. Miguel Island (Azores archipelago)

The three digital maps provided in this product aim to assess the degree of Offshore windfarm siting suitability existing over a geographical area with a focal point off the S. Miguel island (Azores Archipelago), located in the middle of the North Atlantic ocean. The maps display respectively the spatial distribution of the average and lowest windfarm siting suitability scores along with the average wind speed distribution over a time period of 10 years. They are part of a process set up to assess the fit for use quality of the currently available datasets to support a preliminary selection of potential offshore sites for wind energy development. To build these maps, GIS tools were applied to several key spatial datasets from the 5 data type domains considered in the project: Air, Marine Water, Riverbed/Seabed, Biota/Biology and Human Activities, collated during the initial stages of the project. Initially, each selected dataset was formatted and clipped to the study area extent and spatially classified according to suitability scores, to define raster layers with the variables depicting levels of current anthropogenic and environmental spatial occupation of activities, seabed depth and slope, distances to shoreline, shipping intensity, mean significant wave height, and substrate type. These pre-processed layers were employed as inputs for applying a spatial multi-criteria model using a wind farming suitability classification based on a discrete 5 grades index, ranging from Very Low up to Very High suitability. In adition to suitability maps, an average wind speed spatial distribution map for a 10 years period, at 10 m height, was obtained over the study area from the raster processing of a wind speed time series of monthly means available from daily wind analysis data. The characteristics of the datasets used in this exercise underwent an appropriateness evaluation procedure based on a comparison between their measured quality and those specified for the product. The study area is located to the north of the S. Miguel island. Given its remote location and deep seabed, few anthopogenic ocupancy exists. Major limitations to offshore windfarm may come from environmental protection and fishing activity, along with impacts produced in the nearshore zones. Major limitations to offshore windfarm implementation may come from environmental protection and fishing activity, along with impacts produced in the nearshore zones of the island. Major data gaps exist on fishing activities and environmental protection concerning spatial distribution of essential habitats and species. All the spatial information made available in these maps and from the subsequent appropriateness analysis of the datasets, contributes to a clearer overview of the amount of public-access baseline knowledge currently existing for the North Atlantic basin area.