The World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO) is a newly-founded non-profit association and the world’s first organization exclusively dedicated to fostering the global growth of offshore wind. It was founded by the following nine international companies, representing the entire offshore wind value chain.
WFO will work with governments around the world to discuss and advance the key political parameters required to deploy offshore wind energy. WFO says it will encourage politicians to take action and introduce legislation that allows offshore wind development to flourish.
Taking into account cost reductions, technical maturity, and global expansion, 2017 and 2018 have proven to be the breakthrough years for offshore wind energy. According to the WFO, it is therefore time to push for the global rollout of offshore wind. This requires the focus of an organization 100% dedicated to offshore wind, and one with the ability to act on a global scale.
The Business Network for Offshore Wind, which represents over 200 member businesses in the United States, has joined the WFO. Liz Burdock, President and Co-Founder of the Network released the following statement on the new World Forum.
“Offshore wind has taken off in so many countries during the past two years, especially in the U.S. New markets are opening, and our success will depend largely upon global coordination and growth of the offshore wind value chain. With over 200 member businesses, the Business Network welcomes the WFO’s role and will be a primary partner with the non-profit as one of 10 founders from around the world.”
Other participants include:
- DEME NV
- EEW Special Pipe Constructions GmbH
- E.ON Climate & Renewables GmbH
- Green Giraffe BV
innogy SE – - Marsh GmbH
- Northland Power Inc
- Suzlon Energy Limited
- Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Burdock added: “Considering the many challenges facing us as a result of extensive climate change, the Business Network joins the World Forum Offshore Wind to expand activities with other non-profits, the private sector and political positions to help provide a better environment, a stronger economy and a limit on CO2 emissions via offshore wind energy. This means we will do even more to convince elected officials to support offshore wind’s development worldwide. WFO’s first Global Offshore Wind Summit will be in Taipei in March, and we will be there.”
WFO will engage on social and political levels as well as on wider stakeholder platforms to draw more attention to the many positive economic and ecological benefits of offshore wind energy.
On a corporate level, WFO’s members will benefit from its global knowledge exchange activities. WFO will facilitate the exchange between players from established and emerging offshore wind markets. Emerging markets benefit from lessons learned, allowing them to jump the cost curve and to kick-start offshore wind developments in their domestic markets. Established players benefit from local contacts in new markets and valuable insights from local decision makers.
WFO is registered as a non-profit organization in Germany, with offices in Hamburg and Singapore. WFO’s unique profile as a non-profit organization will facilitate access to governmental and international forums in order to open new markets and to advocate for global offshore wind growth.
“Realizing the potential of offshore wind is crucial to meeting European and global renewable energy targets. With WFO a platform was founded which helps to support the global expansion,” said Richard Sandford, Director of Offshore Investment & Asset Management, innogy SE.
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind
