Geopolitical uncertainty, volatile fossil fuel markets and growing electricity demand are putting energy security firmly back at the centre of policy and investment decisions. For offshore wind, this creates both an opportunity and a responsibility: the sector is expected to deliver more capacity while addressing questions around cost, infrastructure, public acceptance and resilience.
These issues will be central to Global Offshore Wind 2026, taking place at Manchester Central on 16th and 17th June. The event is expected to bring together:
Under the theme ‘securing the future’, discussions will examine how offshore wind can contribute to a more resilient energy system while responding to new technical, economic and geopolitical pressures.
Energy security moves up the agenda
Recent geopolitical shocks have demonstrated the exposure of economies to fluctuations in international fossil fuel markets. Building renewable generation can reduce some of this exposure by increasing the proportion of electricity produced from domestic energy resources.
The offshore wind discussion therefore extends beyond decarbonisation. The sector’s contribution to energy security, employment, industrial investment and long-term electricity supply is increasingly important.
The conference will consider the conditions needed to maintain long-term investment beyond current crises and 2030 targets, as well as how the industry can communicate the benefits of offshore wind more effectively.
An increasingly international market
Offshore wind is an international industry, with developers, investors and suppliers working across multiple markets. While the UK remains an important centre of activity, ambitious programmes are developing elsewhere.
Conference discussions will cover:
A new International Delegation Zone will also provide a meeting point for representatives from different countries and regions.
For suppliers, understanding individual markets is increasingly important. Regulatory frameworks, port infrastructure, project pipelines and local requirements can vary considerably between countries.
Deeper water brings new challenges
Technology is also extending the geographical possibilities for offshore wind.
Floating offshore wind (FLOW) is already well established as a concept, while attention is now turning to ‘other deepwater offshore wind’ (ODOW). These technologies could open sites where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are less suitable.
Moving into deeper water introduces challenges involving installation, mooring, grid connections, operations and maintenance. Addressing them could provide access to additional wind resources and future generating capacity.
Resilience, infrastructure and responsibility
Renewables generated more than half of UK electricity for the second consecutive year in 2025, with offshore wind providing the largest individual share at 17.9%. Global offshore wind capacity is also expected to reach 100 GW during 2026.
Greater capacity also brings greater responsibility. Among the issues being addressed are:
Digital systems can improve asset monitoring and control, but increased connectivity also creates cybersecurity risks. As offshore wind becomes more important to national electricity systems, protecting assets against cyberattack and physical disruption becomes a strategic concern.
Meanwhile, delivering additional capacity depends on ports, vessels, manufacturing facilities, specialist suppliers and skilled personnel. Recent investment in UK port facilities illustrates the wider industrial infrastructure required to support future projects.
Offshore wind enters its next phase with considerable opportunities, but also more demanding expectations. Energy security, deeper-water technology, infrastructure, resilience and public acceptance will all influence how the sector develops.
For the full PES Wind feature on energy security, international offshore wind markets, emerging technologies and sector resilience, visit: https://pes.eu.com/exclusive-articles/securing-the-future-of-offshore-wind