With international guests and national experts, the international sustainable development of the supplier industry for offshore wind and "green" hydrogen is the focus of the conference. In addition to the long-term expansion goals for offshore wind power and the innovations of the industry, the 20th anniversary of WAB is also a reason to celebrate at the traditional "class reunion of the offshore wind industry".
"The WINDFORCE Conference with its partner country France and its expert presentations offers an ideal opportunity for professional exchange across national borders as well as ideal conditions for networking. Interdisciplinary and international exchange has always played a central role in the 20 years of WAB and in the development of the offshore wind industry. Many smaller and larger companies are taking advantage of the recently increased expansion targets in numerous markets to reposition themselves and to be able to grow further," said Heike Winkler, WAB Managing Director.
“We are honoured to partner the WINDFORCE Conference, it is a great occasion to learn from the German offshore wind experience and to give some inputs on the French market that finally takes off. We also have to share on the floating offshore wind expertise and perspectives in France and abroad. The French-German partnerships are very often an effective force and allow to succeed on concrete projects. The French wind energy association (FEE) is glad to be part of it”, said Matthieu Monnier, FEE Deputy CEO.
We are delighted to have France as partner country and very much look forward to the French panel session. You will learn more about this and the highlights of the 18th WINDFORCE during the official program presentation," said Heike Winkler.
In Germany, the expansion to at least 70 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2045 can succeed if the right course is set now for a skilled workforce and for the offshore wind supply chain as well as the maritime industry. It is about investments that help to eliminate ‘bottlenecks’ and meet the ambitious targets. WAB has been advocating for political dialogue for a sustainable development of offshore wind supply chains in Europe for a very long time. Almost all offshore wind developing countries support domestic value creation and employment in this international industry. WAB’s goal is a Europe with fair competitive conditions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
"In the current legislative process for the amendment of the German Wind Energy at Sea Act, we are therefore advocating for qualitative criteria in tenders in order to enable sustainable development of the supplier industry in the face of steadily increasing price pressure," said Winkler. This is an important factor in being able to safely achieve the expansion targets and create secure jobs in the long term. This also applies to a sustainable development of the emerging "green" hydrogen economy and floating wind power, in order to promote innovation and enable a sustainable cost degression. This, among other exciting topics, will be the focus of a panel discussion on the first day of the WINDFORCE Conference 2022, followed by expert presentations, including on the next big innovations hydrogen from offshore wind energy and floating wind turbines at sea. Other expert presentations will shed light on the entire value chain of offshore wind energy as well as developments in international markets. One thematic focus is the partner country France.
For the WINDFORCE Conference, WAB expects more than 250 experts on offshore wind power and the emerging "green" hydrogen economy from Germany and abroad from 20-22 June 2022.
Conference website: www.windforce.info
Picture: © Jan Oelker
About FEE
FEE represents, promotes and defends wind energy in France. The association brings together 315 members, professionals in the wind power industry (both onshore and offshore) in France, that represent more than 90% of the companies and structures active on the French market. https://fee.asso.fr
About WAB e.V.
Bremerhaven-based WAB is the nationwide contact partner for the offshore wind industry in Germany and the leading business network for onshore wind energy in the north-west region. The association fosters the production of "green" hydrogen from wind energy. It comprises some 250 smaller and larger businesses as well as institutes from all sectors of the wind industry, the maritime industry as well as research. www.wab.net
Contact
Hans-Dieter Sohn | Senior Communications and Marketing Manager WAB e.V. | +49 173 2382802 | hans.sohn @ wab.net
