Published 9/20/2022

Business Network for Offshore Wind releases fall events lineup

Network will host summits on ports and vessels, grids and transmissions and other events, including an annual Ventus Gala and a Business Forum in collaboration with the DOE.

Edited by: Grace Nehls

Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld

Global Clean Energy Action Forum: Offshore Wind Business Forum

Sept. 23, 2022 | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT (Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.)

The Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF), hosted by the DOE and Carnegie Mellon University, will take place Sept. 21-23. The Network’s Offshore Wind Business Forum will address topics including the price of energy to build supply chain capacity, building a transmission system for 110 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy, and breaking through roadblocks after the IRA. The Business Network is also hosting a networking breakfast on Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. The breakfast is open to all, but an RSVP is required.

Global Gateway: WindEnergy Hamburg & World Bank Group

Sept. 26-30, 2022 (Hamburg, Germany)

The Business Network is leading a delegation of U.S. companies, organizations and government officials to Hamburg, Germany, as part of its Global Gateway program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Participants will attend WindEnergy Hamburg, where they will have the opportunity to meet with international companies to discuss how to export their products/services abroad as well as find ways to partner in order to grow the U.S. supply chain. Network CEO Liz Burdock will speak to World Bank Group attendees on Monday, followed by a co-hosted Networking Reception. As part of WindEnergy Hamburg on Wednesday, she will address media at a press briefing organized by German-based Network for Offshore Wind (WAB) and speak to German and U.S. companies on cross collaboration and supply chain needs. On Thursday, Melinda Skea, the Network’s vice president of public affairs will lead a panel discussion: “Spotlight Market – USA.”

OSW Port & Vessel Summit

Sept. 27-28, 2022 (Norfolk, Va., U.S.)

Ports and vessels are the backbone of the U.S. offshore wind industry. Understanding the improvements needed for the nation’s port infrastructure, as well as ensuring the availability and capacity of vessels, will be critical over the next decade as more turbines are installed in East Coast waters. With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), 40-plus industry experts are lined up to share critical information on how companies can take advantage of the IRA’s numerous provisions, including details about the vessel manufacturing credit. As the pipeline of projects continues to grow, the industry needs to come together to determine logistics that will affordably and efficiently receive, transport, hold and install turbine components. (Host sponsors Hampton Roads Alliance and Virginia Maritime Association.)

OSW Grid & Transmission Summit

Nov. 9-10, 2022 (Charleston, S.C., U.S.)

Connecting 30 GW of wind energy to the electric grid is one of the biggest challenges — and supply chain opportunities — facing the U.S. offshore wind industry. The Summit will address topics such as subsea cable installation, shared grid ownership, underwater mapping, cable landings and shoreside substations are a few of the infrastructure requirements needed to realize the federal 2030 energy goal. (Host sponsor Nexans.)

Ventus Gala

Nov. 17, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. EST (Washington, D.C., U.S.)

The Ventus Gala is a black-tie event in Washington D.C. where preeminent industry leaders, supporters and advocates gather to celebrate the global offshore wind industry’s accomplishments as well as honor the year’s Ventus Awards recipients — companies and individuals who are setting a path to move the offshore wind industry forward with their innovative, collaborative and groundbreaking work. (Held in partnership with Recharge.)