Results

Results of the third SWiM workshop As offshore space becomes increasingly crowded, a key question emerges: how can we use the North Sea more efficiently while balancing energy production, food systems, ecosystem restoration, and maritime security? These questions were at the heart of the third SWiM workshop, Towards a Future-Proof North Sea. Building on earlier […]

Floating solar panels at sea are an exciting opportunity, but they only make sense if the electricity they generate can reliably reach homes and industries onshore. Connecting offshore solar to the grid is therefore a crucial step. At the moment, offshore wind farms offer the most practical solution.

Recent analyses provide a clearer view of how floating PV behaves in harsh marine conditions and which design choices offer the best balance between durability, efficiency, and compatibility with offshore wind. The findings highlight both the technical feasibility and the key challenges that must be addressed for reliable large-scale deployment.

On 20 October 2025, the second workshop of the SWiM project took place in Leuven. Organised by Blue Cluster, the workshop gathered experts from industry, research, and policy to explore innovative energy integration in offshore wind farms: from offshore photovoltaics to wave energy and storage solutions. The discussions centred on how hybrid systems can balance innovation, resilience, and affordability in the Belgian North Sea. Participants agreed that offshore wind remains the backbone of Belgium’s strategy, while offshore floating solar and storage should be developed gradually through co-designed, standardised, and scalable projects.

On 6 March 2025, the first workshop of the SWiM project took place in Brussels. Organised by Blue Cluster, the workshop brought together policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to discuss key challenges and opportunities in regulation, tendering and environmental permit criteria. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for regulatory frameworks and standardisation for multi-use and, more specifically, offshore solar energy in wind to create a level playing field with wind energy and reach the energy targets and sustainability goals.