The 2024 Global Offshore Wind Conference held in Manchester recently had the fitting theme of “Coming of Age”. Having attended the conference, it does feel like the entire sector was stepping into a new era of growth, grit, and innovation. Over the two days, the BVGA team had the pleasure of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, all while diving deep into the latest advances in our industry.
From thought-provoking sessions on cutting-edge technologies to insightful discussions on policy and market trends, the conference was a treasure trove of knowledge. The highlight was the sheer energy and enthusiasm shared by everyone present. The coffee breaks turned into mini brainstorming sessions. The after-hours gatherings were a perfect blend of professional networking and fun.
Some key takeaways of the conference are:
- Innovation is key: The advances we have seen in floating offshore wind technology are game-changing. Increased government funding and grants for research and development are driving innovation and making ambitious projects feasible.
- Collaboration is crucial: The industry thrives on partnerships and shared goals.
- Sustainability matters: The focus on sustainable growth is stronger than ever.
- Government support is vital: Strong state backing is essential for the growth of the offshore wind sector.
- The right regulatory frameworks are required: Clear and supportive regulatory frameworks are needed to streamline project approvals and reduce bottlenecks.
- Skill development is a growing concern: There is an increasing emphasis on developing a skilled workforce to support the expanding industry, with new training programs and educational initiatives.
- Cost resilience is improving: After the controversy around growing cost related challenges (especially after AR5), it was heartening to see how resilient the industry is and its determination to move forward.
The Global Offshore Wind conference was both exhilarating and exhausting, but worth every moment. Along with the rest of the industry, BVGA look forward to helping OSW mature and become an even more significant part of the global electricity generation mix.