Offshore wind energy

Catch the wave of offshore wind and acquire a broad knowledge from a technological and multidisciplinary perspective!

Offshore wind has a vital role to play in the global transition to green energy. As a rapidly growing energy technology, offshore wind has huge potential around the world.

In the Belgian North Sea, offshore wind farms generate about 10% of Belgium’s total electricity demand. By 2030, offshore wind capacity in the North Sea will continue to grow, generating about 30% of electricity demand of Belgium.

For this booming industrial sector, Ghent University provides three tracks of lifelong learning courses for those who want to expand their knowledge of all phases of offshore wind energy, with a mix of academic and industrial speakers.

Foundational track: Covering the basics of offshore wind energy

20 November 2024 – 11 December 2024

• Overview of offshore wind farms: from wind turbine systems to the electric grid connection
• Project life cycle (from tendering to decommissioning)
• Offshore wind farm installation (terminology & procedures)
• ABC of offshore wind financing
• Operational excellence in O&M
• Innovation drivers, technology & market trends overview

Click here for more info about the 'Foundational track'.

Advanced track: Technological aspects of offshore wind energy

15 January 2025 – 23 April 2025

For those who want to gain in-depth knowledge of following technological aspects

• From wind to wire: electricity
  - From wind power production and conversions up tot the grid connection and integration
  - Detailed information about the components (turbine blades, generators, offshore grid,…)
• Structural aspects: offshore foundations
  - Geotechnical & material aspects
  - Floating structures
• Operational excellence
  - Introduction to O&M
  - Weather prediction
  - Testing & validation in different lifecycle phases
  - Wind farm monitoring

Click here for more info about the 'Advanced track'.

Regulatory and economic track: Addressing the legal frameworks and economics in offshore wind energy industry

7 May 2025 – 4 June 2025

• Offshore wind policy and legislation
• Overview of the wide range of activities preceding the installation: project financing, environmental impact assessment, …
• Operational & functional safety
• Energy markets

Click here for more info about the 'Regulatory & economic track'.

With the support of: