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Offshore 2.0
The German government could not have chosen a more appropriate date for the resurrection of the energy transition. On Maundy Thursday 2022, the...
Gathering more than 300 offshore wind and hydrogen experts from over 250 companies, the three-day 20th annual "international class reunion" of the offshore wind industry just happened this week. In collaboration with Norway as the country partner, and under the patronage of Dr. Robert Habeck, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, this conference explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the expansion of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy in the coming years, as well as the realization of offshore electrolysis targets. Emphasizing the significance of collaboration, the motto of this traditional German offshore wind conference is "Stronger together: Ramp-up cross-industry supply chains".
The offshore wind industry, combined with the maritime industry and the hydrogen economy, holds tremendous potential for employment, value creation, and the establishment of a sustainable energy supply that is highly relevant to the entire industry. However, various obstacles need to be addressed. Currently, there is a lack of suitable financing instruments for developing the necessary production capacities in the offshore wind industry and shipbuilding, as well as viable business models for the green hydrogen economy. Furthermore, efforts are required to launch a training and qualification offensive, introduce incentives in tenders to reduce CO2 emissions, enhance port infrastructure and backshore connections, establish adequate electricity and hydrogen grids, and ensure the availability of necessary raw materials. All this must be achieved while facing increasing cost pressure and international competition.
To make the expansion targets for 2030 and beyond feasible, it is imperative to foster cross-industry international cooperation, supported by strong national political backing and the necessary industrial policy for the offshore wind industry, the hydrogen economy, and shipbuilding. By doing so, the energy transition can become a powerful economic and employment driver for the offshore wind industry, the shipbuilding industry, and the emerging hydrogen economy, effectively countering the risk of deindustrialization.
In terms of climate protection, reducing and avoiding CO2 emissions is crucial, and this extends to the expansion of a sustainable energy supply. Offshore wind energy and green hydrogen play vital roles in enhancing supply security, ensuring affordable energy costs for all, and mitigating the climate crisis. Striving for a net-zero balance, it is essential to minimize the carbon footprint of offshore wind farms along the entire value chain. Proximity between production sites, service locations, and electricity-generating and hydrogen-producing offshore wind farms serves as a significant building block in achieving this goal.
Matthias Brandt, CEO of Deutsche Windtechnik, underscores the importance of investing in the training and further education of skilled workers. Recognizing their increasing importance, Deutsche Windtechnik remains committed to this effort and plans to establish new training centers. They rely on support from industry and policymakers in this endeavor. The Windforce conference serves as a platform where all interest groups can converge, combining their synergies to succeed on this crucial path. It is an undeniable fact that expanding renewable energies is a necessity.
Moreover, addressing the shortage of skilled workers can be tackled through digitalization. By digitalizing processes, a high degree of automation becomes achievable. At TrueOcean, for instance, we have developed a marine data platform in the field of underwater data that digitalizes ocean data workflows. This platform enables the efficient organization of sensor data required for the planning, construction, and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Preparing internal operational processes for upcoming orders will enable companies to execute multiple projects simultaneously with fewer resources and shorter timeframes, resulting in cost savings.
For more information on the WINDFORCE program, featuring over 70 speakers, more than 50 technical presentations, as well as excursions and conference highlights, please visit https://windforce.info, where our company actively participated as an attendee and speaker.
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