Results of the second SWiM workshop
We stand at a crossroads: should we focus on scaling mature technologies such as offshore wind to maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness, or should we invest in diversification – integrating OPV, wave energy, and other emerging technologies – to strengthen system robustness, innovation and energy autonomy? These questions where at the heart of the second SWIM workshop.
When does system robustness outweigh price considerations? How do we balance innovation, resilience, and affordability in an increasingly complex offshore environment?
While many of the issues surrounding OPV- such as harsh marine conditions, grid integration, and environmental permitting- are of a practical and engineering nature, they also reflect broader choices about what kind of energy system we wish to build.
The answers determine how Belgium’s offshore strategy contributes not only to renewable targets but also to long-term sustainability and sovereignty. The discussions showed that offshore wind currently faces economic challenges, making the integration of offshore floating solar (OFPV) systems complex and costly, so early development should occur nearshore or in sunnier regions while Belgium focuses on optimising wind energy and expanding storage capacity.
Effective combination of OFPV and wind requires co-design from the outset, since retrofitting existing infrastructure adds expense and undermines reliability. Although hybrid systems raise capital costs, they can become viable at scale, with energy storage offering more immediate benefits in the Belgian North Sea context.
Progress in OFPV depends on achieving design standardisation and advancing through small, low-risk pilot projects that pave the way for larger future deployments. Simplifying the current multi-agency permitting system into a single coordinated framework would greatly improve governance and project efficiency.
Policy support should focus on targeted innovation funding and accessible offshore testing, such as at the Blue Accelerator, rather than on modifying tenders unsuited to emerging technologies. Ensuring reliability requires corrosion-resistant materials, water-proof cabling, and durable PV module designs capable of withstanding harsh marine conditions.
While shading from turbines can cause modest solar energy losses, these effects can be minimised through optimised panel orientation and layout.
Given the limited feasibility of wave energy in Belgium, the most promising hybrid approach combines offshore wind, solar, and energy storage.
Stay informed
Follow the latest developments of the SWiM project.
News
