Two thirds of Europe’s wind energy capacity is located onshore, but the offshore segment is catching up. As much as 40 gigawatts could be added this year alone. This brings huge business potential to the industry, and WindEnergy Hamburg provides a perfect platform to make it all happen

Steady winds and sufficient space for large, powerful wind turbines: The expansion of offshore wind plays a key role in the efforts to achieve the climate goals. In 2023, the output of all of the world’s offshore wind energy units reached a total of 75.2 gigawatts. According to the Global Wind Energy Council’s Global Wind Report 2024, offshore capacity around the globe will triple by 2028, adding 138 GW. But to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, political and industrial leaders must take more decisive steps, says GWEC Chairman Jonathan Cole. “This means that countries must take action to accelerate the use of renewable energy by prioritising timely investments in grid and transmission infrastructure while simplifying permitting procedures quickly,” says Cole.

The European Union is already supporting the wind sector through its “Wind Power Package” which comprises 15 urgent measures. In 2023 the European offshore wind capacity made a significant jump up, expanding by 40 per cent. “Last year was a milestone for offshore wind energy in Europe, with more new wind turbines connected to the grid than in any year before,” says Stefan Thimm, Managing Director of the German offshore wind farm operators association, BWO. New development areas equivalent to 40 gigawatts might be auctioned off in 2024, the BWO head added. This opens up an enormous growth potential for the sector.

The growing capacity of offshore wind farms confronts electricity network operators with major challenges, however. Expanding the networks and establishing smart grids that can avoid bottlenecks in the energy supply are considered as key factors for the success of the energy transition.

This topic will most likely be among the top items on the conference agenda at WindEnergy Hamburg. “There is vigorous government support for expanding offshore wind energy, but the politics surrounding grid access and grid connections, in particular hybrid grid connections, is complicated. It is essential to resolve the cost-sharing issue as soon as possible. Otherwise EU risks losing investments,” says WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson. The European Wind Energy Association will be involved in the programme on the Energy Transition Stage in Hall B6, among other activities.

All in all, 150 conferences and panel discussion are planned for WindEnergy Hamburg, covering topics such as grid connections, finance, equipment technology, regulatory matters, supply chains, digitalisation/AI and project planning. The stages will be accessible to trade fair attendees free of charge. “International cooperation, dialogue and fair competition will always be the foundation of the energy transition. We want to contribute to this through our concept of open, freely accessible conferences without any extra costs for attendees,” says Arnheim.