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Charting the Future of Wind Energy: An Insider's Look at a Sector in Transformation

Published in: Wind, Digital Blog

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As the energy transition accelerates, the wind sector finds itself at a critical intersection of innovation, policy, and cross-border collaboration. To gauge the industrys temperature, we spoke with Pascal Hofer, Project Manager of HUSUM WIND, one of Europes leading wind trade fairs, to get his perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of renewables.

Pascals ambition has been to make HUSUM WIND more than just a trade fair, but a true pulse check for the industry. From his vantage point, the mood is one of cautious optimism. While a strong sense of urgency drives the sector forward, persistent challenges temper expectations. Supply chain challenges, permitting delays and geopolitical uncertainty have tempered some expectations, Hofer notes, but overall, the industry is mobilising with remarkable resilience and purpose.

The Hurdles Holding Back Faster Deployment

While ambition is high, progress can often feel uneven. According to Hofer, the most entrenched obstacles remain regulatory.

  • Slow Permitting: In many countries, permitting procedures are still too slow and complex, creating significant bottlenecks.
  • Grid Expansion: The buildout of grid infrastructure is not keeping pace with the rapid expansion of renewable energy generation.
  • Policy Frameworks: While more capital is available for green investments, the policy frameworks needed to de-risk those investments are not always reliable or consistent.

Innovation Redefining the Industry

Despite these hurdles, technology continues to advance at a remarkable pace. Hofer identifies several key shifts that are genuinely redefining how the industry operates.

Floating wind is a major frontier, opening up entirely new geographies for offshore deployment. In the onshore sector, modular turbine construction and the development of taller towers are pushing the boundaries of efficiency.

However, Hofer also points to a quiet revolution in digitalization. From real-time monitoring to AI-driven asset management, digital tools are reshaping how projects are managed and maintained. This trend is reflected in the growing number of exhibitors focusing on hybrid solutions (combining wind with solar and storage), software, analytics, and machine learning. Predictive maintenance is no longer just a buzzword; its becoming standard practice, he adds.

Policy, Collaboration, and the Road Ahead

In the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), recent acceleration laws for renewable energy are starting to take effect, aiming to simplify and speed up approvals. However, Hofer stresses that implementation is now key. The region is sending stronger signals, but trust will only build through consistent follow-through.

This need for cohesion extends across borders. While the EUs Green Deal is a crucial step, fragmented permitting and support schemes remain a challenge. Hofer points to the North Sea wind cooperation as a prime example of the pragmatic regional integration needed to unlock more cross-border projects and attract international financing.

HUSUM WIND 2025: A Glimpse into the Future

As the industry evolves, so does the platform designed to reflect its pulse. HUSUM WIND 2025 is already set to be more focused and future-oriented than ever before, with several new features:

  • Future & Innovation Hall: A dedicated space for cutting-edge digital technologies, AI applications, startups, and next-generation solutions.
  • Denmark as Partner Country: As a leader in offshore wind and system integration, Denmarks partnership offers valuable insights and connections for future energy planning.
  • New Networking Formats: Initiatives like Women in Wind will create dedicated space for female leadership, while the exclusive WindMasters Dinner will bring together senior executives and policymakers for high-level networking.
  • Offshore Excursion: A rare opportunity for participants to visit 25 pioneering wind and hydrogen projects along the North Sea coast, witnessing the large-scale transition on the ground.

HUSUM WIND 2025 is where the real-world energy transition takes shape, Hofer concludes. Join us in Husum from 16th to 19th September 2025 and be part of the industry meeting that moves the sector forward.

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