Our European seas are critical to the energy transition, but expanding offshore wind farms intensifies space demand, creating pressure on marine ecosystems and food production. Additionally, the variability of wind energy increases the need for energy storage and complementary methods. A multi-use (MU) approach, integrating wave, tidal, offshore solar, and energy storage into offshore wind farms, can optimize space, reduce storage needs, and improve energy reliability while easing spatial pressures.

Despite the global development of many innovative Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) technologies, wind farm developers, investors, and regulators hesitate to adopt them due to high costs, perceived risks, and the absence of a proven track record. As a result, only a small amount of these technologies make it to full-scale implementation.

Offshore Proof [OP] addresses these barriers by accelerating the accreditation of offshore test sites following standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications [IECRE]. This ensures that testing of ORE technologies will be quicker and more efficient and globally recognised. Standardized test services using harmonized protocols across 7 core competencies will fast-track technology certification, thus reduce costs and lower development risks, and increase export opportunities and thereby boosting investor confidence and accelerating the adoption of innovative ORE technologies.

The network of offshore test site providers in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany will execute 7 pilot actions, testing at least 4 emerging technologies. Communities of Practice (CoPs) will be established in each country to stimulate collaboration and trust among stakeholders in ORE and MU projects. The project will generate high-quality training materials to ensure continued use of the knowledge gained beyond its duration.

Ultimately, "Offshore Proof" will advance innovative ORE technologies and support the sustainable use of ocean space in North-West Europe and beyond, laying the groundwork for resilient, integrated offshore energy systems.