Wind Energy Technology Summit 2026
Wind energy is evolving fast. Are you?
Autonomous drones and new inspection techniques, robotics, AI, advanced sensing, twin turbines in floating wind, and long-duration offshore energy storage: new technologies are reshaping how we design, build, and operate wind farms. And increasingly determining the cost and performance of energy at sea.
On 27 October 2026, the Wind Energy Technology Summit brings together the offshore wind community in Ghent for an afternoon of cutting-edge insights, real-world cases, and a panel discussion, followed by networking opportunities.
The summit is curated by Pieter Jan Jordaens, Sirris' expert in energy transition and offshore wind.
For Whom?
The Wind Energy Technology Summit brings together an inspiring mix of participants:
- Pioneering corporates and global technology players
- Local innovative companies and suppliers
- Research institutes and academia
- Government officials from regional, national and neighbouring countries
Whether you come for the knowledge sessions or the connections, you will find yourself in the right room.
Key takeaways
The programme for 2026 is currently being finalised. Expect sessions covering:
- How drones and robotics are reducing inspection and maintenance costs
- AI applications for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and asset optimisation
- New measurement systems enabling smarter offshore operations
- Technology-driven pathways to lower the cost of offshore wind energy
Programme
The programme is complete, with a possible addition to follow.
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 12:00 - 13:30 | Registration and lunch | |
| 13:30 - 13:50 | Introduction & overview of technology development in (offshore) wind | Pieter Jan Jordaens - Sirris |
| 13:50 - 14:10 | Matching size and precision in wind tower and foundation manufacturing | Geert Creemers - Argon Measuring Solutions |
| 14:10 - 14:30 | Technology developments related to co-located energy storage with offshore wind assets | Daniel Buhagiar - Flasc B.V. |
| 14:30 - 14:50 | Future concept of USV operations | Mathieu Holvoet - GEOxyz |
| 14:50 - 15:20 | Coffee break | |
| 15:20 - 15:40 | Acoustic Emission-Based Condition Monitoring for Wind Turbine Main Bearings | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Florian König - UGent |
| 15:40 - 16:00 | Twin turbine floating wind technology explained | Jef Monballieu - Multi.Engineering |
| 16:00 - 16:20 | I3Float roadmap and technology highlights for floating wind developments | Marcos Suarez Garcia - Basque Energy Cluster |
| 16:20 - 16:30 | Reward ceremony Owi Lab PhD Best Poster Award | |
| 16:30 - 17:30 | Networking drink |
OWI-Lab Academy Offshore Wind PhD Day
During the Summit, you will have the opportunity to explore academic research shaping the future of offshore wind. As part of the OWI-Lab Academy Offshore Wind PhD Day, PhD researchers from Belgian knowledge institutions will present their work through an interactive poster session during lunch and the coffee break. Ask questions, exchange ideas and discover how their research translates into real-world applications for the sector. Cast your vote for the best poster. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at 16:20.
Flemish companies can take advantage of a subsidy from VLAIO for this course
This programme is part of Industriepartnershap in which 13 Flemish innovation partners offer an integrated service to stimulate growth and innovation in the Flemish industry in the 6 following themes: AI, Cybersecurity, Circularity, Digitisation, Climate & Energy, and Industry 4.0. They do so under the leadership of Agoria and Sirris and with the support of Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen.
Date
Location
Price
Language
English



