The wind mill of the future: Dutch and the US Accelerate Offshore Wind Innovation

“As energy demand around the world keeps growing, and we are transitioning to a carbon free energy system, the Netherlands and the US both face significant challenges when it comes to creating a sustainable energy supply”, says Bob Meijer , delegation leader of a Dutch Offshore Wind Innovation Mission that is visiting the US East Coast this week.

Thirteen Dutch companies and organizations in the offshore wind industry meet with experts and potential partners, to exchange expertise and build possible collaborations. Over four days they will visit Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, followed by a visit to the American Clean Power Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition in Atlantic City, NJ next week.

Find out everything about this mission in this Q&A

Q: Bob, can you explain why it’s important to have this offshore wind innovation mission?

A: This mission represents a vital opportunity to strengthen collaboration between Dutch and American offshore wind sectors. Offshore wind energy has rapidly grown—reaching a global capacity of 75 GW, or 25 million households, by the end of 2023, and it's essential that we share knowledge and technology to meet the ambitious goals set by both the Netherlands and the United States. By connecting our expertise with U.S. partners, we aim to tackle common challenges and foster innovations that will drive the industry forward.

Q: What challenges do you see in the Netherlands and the U.S.?

A: “As energy demand around the world keeps growing, and we are transitioning to a carbon free energy system, the Netherlands and the US both face significant challenges when it comes to creating a sustainable energy supply, advancing technologies, and addressing spatial planning and ecological concerns. The U.S. has set a target of 30 GW by 2030, 10 million households, and while we’ve successfully developed 4.7 GW in the Netherlands, we have 21 GW planned for the same timeline. Navigating these complexities requires collaboration, particularly in using vast amounts of renewable power in our energy systems.

Q: How does international cooperation play a role finding solutions for these challenges?

A: International cooperation is crucial as it brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the table. By sharing best practices and technological advancements, we can accelerate progress and avoid redundant research efforts. The collaborative spirit between the U.S. and the Netherlands can lead to impactful solutions that not only find solutions for municipalities and states, but also contribute to global climate goals. The Netherlands and the US are strong partners in fighting climate change.

Q: Coming from a country of wind mills, what is the big-picture Dutch approach to offshore wind development?

A: Our country was built on wind energy, right?! The Netherlands has a well-established “triple-helix” model that integrates industry, knowledge institutes, and government agencies. This collaboration fosters innovation and helps us tackle challenges effectively. We create pathways for Dutch companies to work with U.S. counterparts, facilitating the co-development of technologies that address mutual challenges.

Q: What impact will offshore wind have on the future of energy?

A: Offshore wind power is crucial to our future energy landscape. It not only helps meet climate change goals but also creates jobs and stimulates economic growth. By investing in this sector, we can significantly increase low-carbon electricity supply, contributing to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Q: What are your hopes for the participants of this mission?

A: I hope this mission creates useful discussions among participants, builds new connections, and leads to new R&D collaborations. The open cultures of both the U.S. and Dutch research ecosystems provide a good foundation for cooperation, benefitting both countries and the global community. Let’s build the wind farms of the future together!

• More about the Dutch offshore wind collaboration.
• You can learn more about this mission in the mission booklet.

This mission is a collaboration of the Netherlands Innovation Network in Boston , the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the USA , Ministerie van Klimaat en Groene Groei , Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) , Holland Home of Wind Energy , wind & water works , and Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York .