On 21 April 2026, NiD4OCEAN will host a dedicated side event during the WindEurope Annual Event 2026, bringing together experts and innovators to discuss how nature-inclusive solutions can support the sustainable development of floating offshore wind.
Titled “Innovators Making Waves: Nature-Inclusive Concepts for Floating Offshore Wind,” the session will take place from 15:00 to 17:00 (including a 30-minute networking session). The event will gather representatives from NGOs, academia, and the offshore wind industry to explore why innovation is essential for ensuring that offshore renewable energy infrastructure develops in ways that consider marine ecosystems.
Exploring opportunities and barriers for innovation
Floating offshore wind is expanding rapidly across Europe, creating new opportunities for clean energy production. At the same time, this growth raises important questions about how infrastructure interacts with marine environments.
During the panel discussion, invited experts will examine both the opportunities and challenges associated with nature-inclusive innovation in floating offshore wind. The discussion will focus on how new ideas and technologies can be supported, tested, and eventually scaled up to contribute to more sustainable offshore energy systems.
Showcasing ideas from emerging innovators
The event will also feature a series of lightning talks highlighting nature-inclusive concepts developed by university students and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Europe. These concepts include both Nature-Inclusive Designs (NIDs) and mitigation measures that aim to reduce environmental pressures or enhance marine habitats around offshore wind infrastructure.
The presenters are participants from the 2025 Innovation Challenge Series, organised as part of the NiD4OCEAN project. Through this initiative, the project encourages emerging innovators to explore practical solutions that combine renewable energy development with biodiversity considerations.
Networking and poster exhibition
The session will conclude with a networking opportunity and poster exhibition, where participants will be able to engage directly with the innovators behind the presented concepts. This informal exchange aims to foster dialogue between researchers, industry representatives, and other stakeholders interested in advancing nature-inclusive offshore wind solutions.
📄 Click to view the full event agenda
Participation
Due to limited capacity, the event is invitation only. If you are interested in participating, please contact the organisers at deni@renewabled-grid.eu
Event details
- Title: Innovators Making Waves: Nature-Inclusive Concepts for Floating Offshore Wind
- Date: 21 April 2026
- Time: 15:00–17:00 (including networking)
- Location: Room TBC, WindEurope Annual Event 2026
- Access: Invitation only