Offshore Wind: A Future Built on Innovation and Ocean Health

Written by Elisa-Marie Dumas

At Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO), we believe that the best solutions are those that are rooted in the real world. It’s not just about creating technology for technology’s sake; it’s about creating innovations that solve actual problems and make a real impact. That’s exactly what we set out to achieve with the Offshore Wind Net Positive Challenge, a collaboration with Southerly Ten. This innovation challenge wasn’t just about identifying the best ideas; it was about finding solutions that positively impact the ocean, biodiversity, and climate.

When we launched it, we set one clear goal: to discover innovative technologies that don’t just aim to do less harm, but actively work to restore, enable, and protect marine ecosystems. The three winners of this challenge have done just that, and I couldn’t be more excited to share their solutions.

The Winners: Innovation with Purpose

EnviroDNA | Protection Technology

EnviroDNA is transforming how we monitor marine biodiversity with their innovative eDNA technology. By analysing seawater samples, they offer a scalable, cost-effective way to assess the health of marine ecosystems—something critical for offshore wind projects aiming to minimise their impact on the ocean.

What excites me about EnviroDNA’s solution is how it empowers communities, especially First Nations, to actively monitor and protect their Sea Country. It’s exactly the kind of technology that can help us move toward a future where renewable energy and ocean health go hand in hand.

Hullbot | Enabling Technology:

Hullbot’s autonomous robots are game changers for the offshore wind industry. By cleaning and inspecting the hulls of offshore vessels, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%. It’s smart, efficient technology that not only helps vessels stay clean but also reduces their environmental impact.

What I love about Hullbot is how they’re tackling fleet maintenance in a way that helps the offshore wind sector grow while also making the industry more sustainable. It’s an example of innovation that’s making a real difference beneath the surface.

Pentarch Offshore Solutions | Restoration Technology:

Pentarch Offshore Solutions’ kelp-seeded deployment pods represent exactly what we need in the offshore wind sector—solutions that restore marine ecosystems and capture blue carbon. These pods not only help restore ocean forests and stabilise seabeds, but they also support offshore wind projects by ensuring that development leads to a net-positive impact on the environment.

Pentarch Offshore Solutions is showing us how renewable energy and marine restoration can be integrated seamlessly, and their solution is a powerful example of how technology can regenerate the ocean while supporting a sustainable energy future.

Why This Matters Now

Australia’s offshore wind sector is at a defining moment. Globally, offshore wind capacity is set to grow by a staggering 19GW this year, and Australia is poised to be a key player in this shift. But here’s the thing: this transition to renewable energy can’t just be about replacing fossil fuels. We have an opportunity – no, a responsibility – to ensure that the growth of offshore wind is done in a way that genuinely benefits the ocean and local communities.

The Offshore Wind Net Positive Challenge has shown us what’s possible when we push beyond “no net loss.” The solutions from EnviroDNA, Hullbot, and Pentarch Offshore Solutions are setting a new bar for what we expect from the offshore wind sector. These solutions prove that we can have both: clean energy and thriving marine ecosystems.

A Call to Action for the Ocean

As the UN Ocean Conference kicks off in Nice this week, what’s at stake has never been clearer. The Offshore Wind Net Positive Challenge exemplifies the type of bold thinking and innovative solutions we need to ensure a sustainable future for both the ocean and our energy systems. This challenge is a reminder that the ocean is not just a backdrop for progress; it is a key partner in our journey toward a sustainable, regenerative economy.

We are at a defining moment for the offshore wind sector, and the solutions we celebrate today are just the beginning. The ocean is calling for us to act with intention, and the world is watching. Together, we can harness the power of innovation to build a future that not only meets our energy needs but nurtures the very ecosystems that sustain us.

Let’s take this opportunity, here and now, to move forward with purpose, knowing that the future of Planet Ocean is in our hands.