Global Underwater Hub (GUH) is bringing together leading offshore wind technology developers, installation specialists and industry organisations in Aberdeen next month, with backing from Great British Energy and Crown Estate Scotland, to explore the potential of deepwater fixed wind and the opportunities it could create for the UK supply chain.
Great British Energy has joined GUH's Deepwater Wind Symposium as Headline Sponsor, alongside supporting sponsor Crown Estate Scotland. Both organisations will lead key sessions at the event, taking place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at P&J Live, Aberdeen.
A central focus of the Symposium will be the opportunity for UK businesses to hear directly from four foundation technology developers, Entrion Wind, Marine Power Systems, Neretek and OSI Renewables, who will come together on stage to discuss their approaches to developing offshore wind in deeper waters and the capabilities they need from the supply chain.
The companies will take part in dedicated 1:1 meetings with delegates, providing opportunities for businesses to explore potential collaboration, understand future technology requirements and identify where their expertise could support emerging projects.
Advances in foundation technology could extend the viability of fixed-bottom offshore wind into deeper waters, opening up new areas for potential development. Unlocking these opportunities will depend on overcoming technical and commercial challenges associated with foundation design, seabed conditions, transportation and installation, drawing on the UK's established underwater engineering expertise.
Steve Fernie, Policy & Strategy Director at Global Underwater Hub, said: "Deepwater fixed wind presents a significant opportunity for the UK, both in supporting the energy transition and creating new markets for our world-class offshore and underwater supply chain.
"Bringing four foundation technology developers together on one stage gives businesses the chance to hear directly about the technologies being developed, understand the challenges that need to be addressed and explore where their capabilities could play a part.
"But realising the potential of deepwater wind goes beyond foundation technology. Seabed conditions, transportation, installation and project economics will all influence what's technically and commercially possible. Much of the expertise needed to address those challenges lies beneath the waves.
"With Great British Energy and Crown Estate Scotland supporting the Symposium and leading key sessions, we have an opportunity to connect the technology developers, supply chain and wider industry expertise needed to move deepwater wind forward."
The Symposium will also feature Alan MacLeay, Technical Director at offshore installation specialist Seaway7, who will share findings from his recent white paper, ‘How deep is too deep for fixed-bottom offshore wind?’
His research examines the technical and economic viability of fixed-bottom offshore wind in deeper waters, indicating that jacket foundation solutions could remain competitive well beyond 60 metres. It also identifies installation challenges, particularly turbine installation, as increasingly important considerations for future developments.
The four-session programme will open with an Energy Transition Plenary led by Global Underwater Hub, featuring contributions from Great British Energy, Crown Estate Scotland and the Scottish Government, followed by a session bringing together the four foundation technology developers to discuss their approaches to foundation design and the opportunities for the UK supply chain.
Seaway7 will lead the third session, Installation: Opportunities & Challenges, examining the practical and commercial requirements of developing offshore wind projects in deeper waters.
The day will conclude with a Roadmap to Deepwater Wind Workshop, led by Great British Energy, where delegates will contribute directly to discussions on the technical, commercial and supply chain priorities, alongside the available support and practical actions needed to inform an industry road map.
Delegates wishing to access exclusive 1:1 meetings with the four foundation technology developers must book a conference pass by 3pm on Monday, 2 November 2026. Appointments will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Registration for the Deepwater Wind Symposium is open, with discounted rates available for Global Underwater Hub members. General conference bookings close at 12 noon on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
To register to attend the Deepwater Wind Conference, visit: https://www.globalunderwaterhub.com/events/event/?id=Deepwater_Wind_Conference_20262639950013