SEADOTs at EERA DeepWind 2025: Driving the Dialogue on Offshore Wind Innovation
From 15-17 January 2025, Trondheim became the epicenter of cutting-edge offshore wind research and innovation at the prestigious EERA DeepWind Conference. Since its inception in 2004, this annual event has consistently showcased groundbreaking advancements in bottom-fixed and floating deep-sea wind farms, cementing its status as a key platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Organized by SINTEF, NTNU, and EERA JP Wind, the conference attracts experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe.
The 2025 edition continued this legacy, featuring an action-packed program with over 200 expert presentations spanning policy, technology, and research. Among the distinguished contributors was the SEADOTs project team, represented by Kristin Rist Sørheim, Dorothy Dankel, Rita Tatiana Vasconcellos L. d’Oliveira Bouman, and Ute Brönner from SINTEF Ocean, our coordinating partner.
Showcasing SEADOTs: Posters, Presentations, and Lively Discussions
The SEADOTs team made a strong impact at the event, engaging in poster sessions, co-hosting dynamic discussions, and bringing fresh perspectives on social-ecological systems in offshore wind development.
Poster Highlights
Kristin Rist Sørheim and Ute Brönner presented the SEADOTs poster during two dedicated sessions, sparking insightful discussions with peers and fellow researchers. Among these conversations was an exchange with Tuhfe Göçmen, Senior Researcher at DTU, who shared insights from the DigiWind program, a project advancing digital skills in wind and energy systems engineering. These sessions provided an invaluable platform for connecting with other initiatives and exploring potential synergies.
Spotlight on Environmental Impact
Dorothy Dankel co-chaired the session "Environmental Impact" alongside Roel May from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). This session featured thought-provoking presentations, including:
- Nikki Luttikhuis (SINTEF Industry): The impacts of offshore wind on the Sustainable Development Goals
- Roel May (NINA): Towards Energy Stewardship – A transdisciplinary framework for holistic wind energy development by building relational values
- Dorothy Dankel: Advancing Sustainable Development through Multi-Use: Insights from the European OLAMUR and SEADOTs projects

This session underscored the importance of balancing innovation with ecological stewardship, aligning with SEADOTs’ focus on sustainable and multi-use approaches to offshore wind development.
Exploring Societal Impact
On the final day of the conference, the session "Societal Impact and Regulatory Framework" was co-chaired by Rita T. V. D'Oliveira Bouman (SINTEF Ocean) and Catherine Banet (University of Oslo). Five engaging talks highlighted the societal dimensions of offshore wind, including:
- Catherine Banet (University of Oslo): Regulatory roadmap for developing hybrid offshore wind projects between Norway and Europe
Katja Bratseth (Byantropologene AS) & Sara Heidenreich (NTNU): People on Offshore Wind: Exploring just and sustainable development through local involvement at Utsira Nord
- Finn Corus (University of Bergen): SEAs of Uncertainties
- Thea Lurås Oftebro (NTNU): The impact of Offshore Wind on Onshore Communities in Haugalandet, Norway
These discussions highlighted SEADOTs' pivotal role in advancing the conversation on societal integration, regulatory pathways, and sustainability in offshore wind energy.
Connecting Research and Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The EERA DeepWind 2025 Conference served as a powerful platform for showcasing SEADOTs' contributions to offshore wind innovation. Through collaborative sessions, meaningful discussions, and impactful presentations, the project reinforced its commitment to addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of technology, society, and ecology.
As part of this vibrant community, we are excited to continue driving forward sustainable solutions for the future of offshore wind energy!