Oceantic Network announces the speaker lineup for the Opening Plenary at its 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF), the largest offshore renewables conference in the Americas.
Key speakers will include Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston as well as influential offshore wind leaders including Dominion Energy Senior Vice President of Project Construction Mark Mitchell, LS Cable & System Ltd.President & CEO Bon-Kyu Koo, and RWE President & CEO Samuel Eaton, and government leaders including Virginia Beach Mayor Bob Dyer. Speakers will address how the industry will continue to Power ON in the face of uncertainty.
“With our first offshore wind projects in the water, this American energy industry is ready to Power ON,” said Liz Burdock, CEO at Oceantic Network. “This year's Opening Plenary will highlight the significant progress we’ve made across America’s 40-state, $25 billion supply chain and chart the path forward for continued offshore renewable energy development in the US, Canada, and beyond.”
Plenary speakers will discuss offshore wind power’s global impact, the resulting revitalization of US industry, and the benefits the industry is bringing to local communities like those in Virginia. Other sessions will highlight Virginia’s swift progress as a significant hub in the American offshore wind industry. The region is witnessing a surge of offshore wind companies establishing operations, with existing suppliers having expanded to support local projects. 2025 IPF will take place with these developments right in its backyard, with local tours to give attendees an up-close view of the largest offshore wind farm in the country as its backdrop.
“Oceantic Network’s International Partnering Forum is a great opportunity for networking and building relationships to create economic development and job opportunities in Virginia." said Dominion Energy’s Mark D. Mitchell.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston will share insights into the Canadian province’s vision for offshore wind showcase the success of existing cross-border partnerships and collaborations. Nova Scotia has set a target of auctioning 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, with plans for its first call for bids to occur later this year. In his remarks he’ll reinforce the importance of a strong US-Canada relationship to the success of both countries’ offshore wind markets and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
“Nova Scotia has some of the world’s most ideal conditions for offshore wind, and I look forward to pitching our province at the largest offshore renewables conference," said Premier Tim Houston. "Our province has set a target of auctioning 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 with plans for the first call for bids to occur this year.”
IPF will take place Monday, April 28 through Thursday, May 1 in Virginia Beach (view full agenda). The conference will welcome thousands of attendees from around the world and across America. The Opening Plenary will take place Tuesday, April 29, and, for the first time, 2025 IPF will host the Ocean Renewables Summit, dedicated to additional offshore renewable energy sources, including tidal, wave, and floating solar. The conference will also feature a Central Atlantic Supplier Fair, designed to foster strong business-to-business connections by bringing attendees together with regional developers, Tier 1 suppliers, and OEMs, and Oceantic Network’s Ventus Gala.
“Virginia Beach is proud to serve as the host sponsor for the International Partnering Forum next month,” said Christian Green, director of Virginia Beach Economic Development. “This forum presents a vital opportunity to bring together industry leaders and innovators for impactful conversations and forward-thinking dialogue. These curated discussions are critical for addressing the challenges and unlocking the opportunities for global communities in offshore wind. As we gather in Virginia Beach, we look forward to the exchange of ideas that will chart the course for collaboration, progress, and sustainable solutions for the future of the industry."
2025 IPF is supported by host sponsors the City of Virginia Beach, Dominion Energy, LS GreenLink USA, and RWE.
