Accredited offshore testing network driving renewable energy uptake at sea
Offshore Proof aims to establish a network of offshore test sites that accelerates the global acceptance and certification of offshore renewable energy innovations, with a focus on wave, tidal, offshore solar, and energy storage technologies. Led by Campus@Sea (The Netherlands) and developed in close collaboration with partners from Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the project works to harmonize and apply testing protocols across a series of real-world test campaigns—building confidence among investors and regulators through both rigorous validation and the active engagement of stakeholders via Communities of Practice.
Offshore Proof is financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg North-West Europe programme, with co-financing from the Province of West Flanders and the Province of South Holland. The project is further strengthened by the engagement of numerous Associated Partners and a Sounding Board.
A shared challenge at sea
All along the coasts of Europe, people are working hard to develop new solutions to harness the energy of the sea. But every region faces different conditions—strong tides in the Channel, high waves in the Atlantic, and busy shipping lanes in the shallow North Sea. What they all have in common? A big ambition to move toward clean, reliable energy generated at sea. The problem? Testing new technologies out at sea is risky and expensive—and there’s few places to safely do it under real conditions. That’s where Offshore Proof comes in.
The missing piece: certification
Imagine building a new kind of offshore energy device—like a tidal turbine, a wave energy convertor or offshore solar system—but having nowhere to prove it works safely and reliably. That’s the reality today. Without proper certification, investors and insurers hesitate and regulators are slow to give the green light. Offshore Proof wants to change that—by bringing certification closer to where innovation is happening.
The Offshore Proof solution
Offshore Proof is setting up a network of test sites across Northwest Europe, where innovative technologies can be tested, improved, and certified under real sea conditions. Each site focuses on what it does best—whether it’s waves, tides, or floating solar. With common standards, mutual recognition of test results, and strong industry collaboration, the project builds a foundation for safe, scalable offshore energy—backed by training, communities of practice, and investor-ready validation.
Get involved
Get involved in shaping the future of offshore renewable energy through Offshore Proof’s initiatives. Join one of our four regional Communities of Practice (CoPs) in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany to collaborate with developers, policymakers, and investors on overcoming regulatory challenges and building trust in offshore innovation.
If you're a technology developer, apply to our testing program to validate your solution—whether tidal, wave, solar, or storage—at accredited test sites across Europe and receive a third-party Test Report under the IECRE framework.
Additionally, boost your knowledge with over 40 hours of flexible online training, including 12+ expert-led courses via the DEFTIQ platform, designed for professionals across the offshore sector.
Or follow our project on LinkedIn
Project Information
Objectives
Offshore Proof aims to establish a network of offshore test sites that accelerates the global acceptance and certification of offshore renewable energy innovations, with a focus on wave, tidal, offshore solar, and energy storage technologies.
Partners
Led by Campus@Sea (The Netherlands) and developed in close collaboration with partners from Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the project works to harmonize and apply testing protocols across a series of real-world test campaigns—building confidence among investors and regulators through both rigorous validation and the active engagement of stakeholders via Communities of Practice.
EU funding
€2,5 million
Total project budget
€4,2 million
7 partners from
FR, BE, NL, DE
Cooperating
from 2024-2028
Website
