Offshore wind energy: technological track
spring 2027
Offshore wind is a key technology in the transition towards a renewable, secure and resilient energy system and will remain central to Europe’s long-term energy ambitions. Belgium is a clear example of this momentum. Today, Belgium’s offshore wind farms represent an installed capacity of 2.26 GW, covering 10% of Belgium’s total electricity demand. With the planned roll-out of the Princess Elisabeth Zone, divided into three blocks, an additional 3.15 GW to 3.5 GW of offshore wind capacity can be developed, corresponding roughly to the electricity consumption of all Belgian households.
At the European level, offshore wind energy plays a central role in the EU Green Deal and REPowerEU strategies. The European Union has set clear ambitions to massively scale up offshore renewable capacity in order to enhance energy security and accelerate defossilization. Belgium’s rapid development aligns closely with these broader European priorities.
To support this rapidly developing 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 (16 November 2026 – 7 December 2026)
- Technological track (spring 2027)
- Cross-cutting track (May-June 2027)
Module From wind to wire: electricity
- From wind power production and conversions up to the grid connection and integration
- Detailed information about the components (turbine blades, generators, offshore grid,…)
Module Structural aspects: offshore foundations
- > Geotechnical & material aspects
- Floating structures
Module Operational excellence
- Introduction to O&M
- Weather prediction
- Testing & validation in different lifecycle phases
- Wind farm monitoring