Norway drives floating wind forward by hosting global industry summit

The event is organized by the offshore wind network Norwegian Offshore Wind, counting 400 member companies. This year’s festival will open with a high-level international summit of energy decision makers. The Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland has confirmed his participation in Haugesund May 29-30. 

Norway is world leading within development of floating technology. As a market, Norway is ranked as number two in attractiveness, right after the UK. 

-With the position Norway has in developing groundbreaking technology, it is only natural that we also host a groundbreaking meeting place. At Floating Wind Days, we aim to delve into the most pressing global issues the industry is facing, says Arvid Nesse, CEO of Norwegian Offshore Wind. 

During the two-day conference, participants will take part in organized B2B meetings in addition to the topics discussed on the four different festival stages. The international guests will be offered visits to relevant sites on the west coast area prior to the conference. The Haugesund region is a hub for the floating offshore wind development in Norway, being home to the world leading test facility METCentre. The festival also offers boat excursions out to the two floating turbines in operation. 

-We consider this event to be more of a festival rather than a traditional conference, says Director of Floating Wind Days, Caroline Whittle, and adds:

-We are building a new industry, and we need to be innovative and gather in new ways. We have a strong focus on the relevant, and also difficult issues facing the industry. At the same time, Floating Wind Days provides a unique environment for networking and getting deals done. We aim to leave the blue blazers behind and bring new ideas to the table, says Caroline Whittle, Director of Floating Wind Days.

Last year’s event was opened by the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and gathered 750 people from 36 nations. 1000 guests are expected this year.