7th Dillinger Offshore Wind Conference: Two fascinating days of presentations and networking in connection with offshore wind

The recently held 7th Dillingen Offshore Wind Conference “Steel and Offshore Wind Farms” brought more than 140 industry experts to Saarland. Speakers from all over Europe delivered expert presentations on the use of steel for offshore wind farms and the challenges the energy transition poses for the industry. Solutions were discussed at the conference for the future trend of floating wind power and for efficient production of future foundation structures, as well as for the sustainable use of resources through decarbonizing the industry and circular economy practices.

In addition to presentations and networking with offshore wind experts, the second day of the conference included a metallurgical seminar explaining the path iron ore takes to produce a typical steel plate for offshore wind as well as a tour of Dillinger’s steel plant for the participants. During the tour they were able to watch a live demonstration of the technically challenging production process for super-heavy quality steel plate.

As a producer of these super-heavy plates for the offshore wind power sector, Dillinger is one of the “movers and shakers” of the energy transition. Wind farms are playing an essential role in decarbonizing Europe’s energy supply. A total capacity of at least 30 gigawatts of offshore energy is to be achieved in Germany by 2030, with a further 40 gigawatts to be added by 2045. As they expand these immense capacities at sea, global energy companies rely on the quality steels and reliable supplies coming from and through Dillinger. The plate is also being used in projects such as France's first offshore wind farm in Saint-Nazaire and Japan’s first major offshore wind farm project Akita Noshiro.