Gdansk, 14 February 2019 — Yesterday, the sixth WINDFORCE Baltic Sea has been officially opened in Gdansk. Offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea has developed rapidly in recent years. The Polish government has set itself ambitious targets by installing offshore wind turbines with a capacity of ten gigawatts by the year 2040. Mariusz Witonski, Managing Director of WAB's cooperation partner Polish Offshore Wind Energy Society and co-organiser of the WINDFORCE Baltic Sea, says: " Soon, it will become one of the most resilient, emerging offshore wind markets.”
WAB Managing Director Andreas Wellbrock adds in his opening speech: "In particular the projects in the Baltic Sea illustrate the excellent cooperation of the neighbouring countries and the high contribution of offshore wind energy to the European electricity supply. For six years, the WINDFORCE Baltic Sea has been supporting the aim of connecting the most important players from science, politics and industry and promoting cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.
The advantage of the Baltic Sea is the shorter distance between the wind farms and the coast and the lower water depth. Moderate sea conditions mean lower costs for installation, operation and higher availability. As the number of installed wind farms increases, operation and service become increasingly important factors.
With about 100 participating wind energy experts, the WINDFORCE Baltic Sea, which takes place every two years, provides an overview of current developments in the Baltic Sea. The two-day conference focuses on the exchange of experiences and offers a unique insight into the regional challenges. The WINDFORCE Baltic Sea is organised by WAB e. V. and is the partner event of the WINDFORCE Conference, which will take place this year on 21 and 22 May in Bremerhaven.
About the WINDFORCE Baltic Sea
The WINDFORCE Baltic Sea event is held every two years in a neighbouring country of the Baltic Sea Region. The event is organized by Germany’s Wind Energy Network WAB e. V. in cooperation with the Polish Offshore Wind Energy Society.
About the WAB
WAB is the network of the wind energy industry in Germany‘s northwest region and serves as a nationwide contact for the offshore wind industry. Since 2002, more than 350 German companies and institutes have become members of WAB.