Gazelle Wind Power, a leader in floating offshore wind technology, has successfully raised €11.4 million in a funding round led by Indico Capital Partners. This investment round also included contributions from DST Group, August One, Wah Kwong, and E2IN2, alongside other stakeholders. The funds will accelerate the development of Gazelle’s 2MW grid-connected demonstrator, Nau Azul, based in Aguçadoura, Portugal. Gazelle's unique floating platform technology, designed to address key industry challenges, has positioned the company as a front-runner in cost-effective, sustainable offshore wind energy solutions.

Pioneering Floating Offshore Wind Solutions

Gazelle Wind Power has been developing a groundbreaking floating offshore wind platform aimed at reducing the high production and installation costs typically associated with offshore wind energy. By tackling logistical complexities and site limitations, Gazelle’s technology is geared toward reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and minimizing environmental impacts. The platform is built with a patented dynamic mooring system that stabilizes the structure in response to external forces such as wind, waves, and tidal shifts. The company’s lightweight, modular platform avoids the need for active ballasting, offering scalability and cost-efficiency that facilitate deep-water deployment in diverse marine environments.

Jon Salazar, CEO of Gazelle Wind Power, expressed confidence in Indico Capital’s backing, emphasizing the alignment between Gazelle’s objectives and Indico’s commitment to sustainable, ocean-related technologies. "Indico’s support underlines the transformative potential of our technology in the global offshore wind sector," Salazar noted. "The Nau Azul project will serve as a vital demonstration of our platform’s capabilities, showing how efficient and environmentally friendly floating wind energy can be."

Modular Design Enhances Affordability and Adaptability

Gazelle’s platform employs a "lego" concept, enabling flexible configurations that adapt to varying sea conditions. This modularity not only streamlines fabrication in shipyards but also allows for local assembly near wind farm sites, reducing costs and facilitating swift deployment. The platform’s modular components, based on naval engineering principles, offer high stability without relying on active ballast systems, enhancing operational reliability and affordability. The innovative approach promises to make offshore wind farms more accessible for remote, deep-sea locations, potentially unlocking new areas for wind energy production.

Indico Capital Partners’ Co-Founder and Managing General Partner, Stephan de Moraes, noted the necessity of cost-effective solutions for the offshore wind industry. "The future of renewable energy depends on scalable and affordable platforms," de Moraes stated. "Gazelle’s modular floating platform meets this need, paving the way for more sustainable and economically viable offshore wind projects worldwide."

Strategic Partnerships to Support Expansion and Impact

Gazelle’s recent funding has drawn interest from several prominent investors with expertise in sustainable technology and infrastructure. DST Group, a Portuguese corporation with significant interests in engineering, construction, and renewable energy, sees Gazelle’s platform as a critical tool for advancing the global energy transition. DST Group’s Chairman, José Teixeira, emphasized the alignment of their strategic goals with Gazelle’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative renewable energy solutions. "Our collaboration with Gazelle Wind Power reinforces our commitment to sustainable energy and environmental stewardship," said Teixeira, adding that DST’s involvement will bolster the design and development of the Nau Azul demonstrator.

August One, another investor in this round, has a distinct focus on impactful investments that advance sustainable development. Through its Atlântico II fund, August One actively supports technology ventures originating from Portugal. Sameer Narula, Managing Partner at August One, highlighted the broader implications of Gazelle’s platform. "Gazelle Wind Power exemplifies the potential of clean energy technologies to drive real change within planetary boundaries," Narula said. "We are thrilled to be part of this journey and to support the company’s growth."

Strengthening Local Presence and Supply Chain Networks

To support the construction and deployment of the Nau Azul demonstrator, Gazelle has established a new office in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, near the project site. This facility will serve as a regional hub for engineering, technical, and administrative functions, fostering collaboration with local shipyards and marine experts. Gazelle’s investment in local infrastructure is expected to enhance the regional supply chain for floating wind solutions, leveraging Portuguese shipbuilding expertise to advance Gazelle’s ambitious project timelines.

Beyond the development of Nau Azul, Gazelle’s investment in local talent and infrastructure aims to drive long-term economic benefits, from job creation to sustainable energy generation. The company’s focus on modular assembly and reduced transportation costs further positions it as a cost-competitive player in the expanding market for floating wind platforms.

Gazelle Wind Power’s recent funding marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of floating offshore wind technology. With the support of Indico Capital Partners, DST Group, August One, and others, the company is well-positioned to advance its groundbreaking platform, which addresses some of the most pressing challenges in offshore renewable energy. Gazelle’s approach, characterized by modularity, cost efficiency, and environmental sensitivity, has the potential to reshape the landscape of offshore wind power by enabling broader deployment in deep-sea environments. As Gazelle moves forward with the Nau Azul demonstrator, the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation continues to inspire confidence among its investors, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.