The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) partners in the DigiWind project had a highly engaged and productive October, actively participating in three significant national and international wind energy forums. The team presented, attended, and collaborated with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, reinforcing DigiWind’s role in addressing the sector’s crucial challenges, particularly in skills and technology.
Energy on the Estuary: Unlocking the Mid-West’s Potential
Date: October 13, 2025
Location: Limerick, Ireland
The TUS team was pleased to attend the well-established Energy on the Estuary event, organised by Limerick Chamber. Now in its third year, the summit focused on “FROM PORT TO POWER – Unlocking the Mid-West’s Energy Potential,” exploring the region’s ability to contribute to Ireland’s 2030 renewable energy targets.
The event offered fresh insights and bold discussions on the regional and national infrastructure required to support offshore wind energy provision and delivery. Our team attended presentations covering a wide variety of perspectives, including electricity market regulation, planning processes, and government supports. This reaffirms the essential groundwork for regional action and innovation in renewable energy and energy security.
IEA Wind – TEM 118: Automated Robotics For Wind Farms
Date: October 20-21, 2025
Location: University of Limerick, Ireland
DigiWind took centre stage at the IEA Wind Topical Expert Meeting #118 – “Automated Robotics for Wind Farms,” hosted at the University of Limerick. This international meeting brought together experts to define the scope for a new IEA Wind Task focused on the strategic role of autonomous robotics in wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M).
Our team contributed to the session on “Regulation and Risk Challenges,” where we provided crucial information on the skills supply risks and challenges prevalent across the entire lifecycle of a wind farm—from planning and installation to operation and maintenance. We shared an overview of the current skills landscape and detailed how the DigiWind project is specifically working to support the sector by developing the technological solutions necessary for the successful deployment of increasingly prevalent autonomous systems.
Autonomous robotic systems (UAVs, ASVs, AUVs, ROVs) are key to reducing human exposure, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing efficiency, but their widespread adoption is hindered by skills gaps and integration challenges—areas where DigiWind is committed to making a tangible difference.
Wind Energy Ireland Expo 2025
Date: October 22-23, 2025
Location: Dublin, Ireland
The TUS DigiWind team concluded their October engagement by attending the two-day Wind Energy Ireland Expo 2025. The event gathered key players in the global renewable energy supply chain with Irish leaders and innovators driving the national energy transformation.
The Expo featured a wide range of industry, training, and government agency representatives presenting their vision for strengthening the Irish Wind Energy sector. A key feature was the focus on engineering, innovation, and the conditions needed to foster these within the wind and energy systems industry.
Key Engagement: Our team had the opportunity to discuss DigiWind’s ongoing and future contributions to supporting this vision. This was of particular interest to Timmy Dooley T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The Minister and his team’s focus is on delivering increased energy self-sufficiency and the associated economic dividends, a goal that DigiWind is uniquely positioned to help deliver through its focus on skills and technology development.
Ireland’s ambitious plans, including the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) and the drive to leverage the world’s best offshore wind resources, underscore the urgency and importance of projects like DigiWind in building a skilled workforce and robust supply chain.
Stay connected with DigiWind for more updates on our contributions to a sustainable and skilled wind energy future!
