Amsterdam, Security and sustainability shared the spotlight at this year’s Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC), held on November 26–27 at RAI Amsterdam. From safeguarding critical infrastructure to addressing cyber threats, the event provided a platform for global energy players to discuss challenges and opportunities in the clean energy transition.
The Dutch Government, through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), emphasized the importance of cyber resilience in its latest offshore wind initiatives. Eva de Leede, leading the Offshore Wind Market Policies unit at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, revealed upcoming measures for offshore wind tenders. She encouraged developers to diversify supply chains and prepare for stricter cybersecurity requirements.
But are the ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030 and 2050 achievable given the existing supply chain constraints? Industry experts at the OEEC struck a balance between skepticism and optimism. Paul de Leeuw, a seasoned OEEC moderator, highlighted both the challenges of under-capacitated supply chains and the industry’s determination to innovate and meet net-zero goals.
Seabed security was another focal point, with insights from Paul Flos, Program Director of International Naval Materiel Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Defense. He underscored the essential role of civilian expertise and technology in bolstering subsea infrastructure protection. According to Flos, outdated perceptions of energy security must give way to more flexible, forward-thinking approaches to safeguard existing assets while expanding renewable capacities.
Ukraine’s evolving wind energy sector added a poignant perspective to the event. Galyna Shmidt of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA) shared how offshore wind projects provide decentralized energy solutions, making them less vulnerable during conflicts. Highlighting wind turbines’ resilience compared to traditional power plants, she emphasized their dual benefits for energy security and climate goals.
In a notable collaboration, UWEA formalized a partnership with Dutch clean energy organization NedZero, marking a step toward international cooperation in advancing clean energy projects.
Looking ahead, the OEEC has already announced its return in 2025, ensuring the conversation around energy security and sustainability continues.
