Call for Abstracts
ACOWE Technical Symposium 2026

About the Event

In its second year of running, this in-person event provides a platform for researchers and key stakeholders to share knowledge, network and collaborate across diverse disciplines addressing offshore wind challenges and opportunities in Australia. The symposium is organized in collaboration with the Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC).

Why Participate?

As a national interdisciplinary research and training partnership, the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE) is committed to supporting sustainable and equitable offshore wind development in Australia. Universities play a crucial role in delivering reliable, evidence-based knowledge to government, industry, and communities. This symposium will facilitate cross-sector dialogue and innovation to support offshore wind initiatives across Australia’s declared zones and beyond.

Suggested Topics

We welcome abstracts showcasing recent research, technological developments and innovation across the offshore wind project lifecycle, with a focus on Australian developments leveraging international learnings. The abstracts should align with one or more project stages:

• Planning (wind resource and metocean assessment; mapping of cultural and social values including community engagement; geophysical, geotechnical and environmental surveys; social, cultural and environmental impact assessment and monitoring; regulatory frameworks; licensing; marine spatial planning; supply chain; port infrastructure)

• Design (preliminary design; technology selection; detailed design of foundations, scour protection, sub-stations, cables; nature positive and circular economy design; farm layout; grid connection; co-design of community benefit arrangements; workforce planning)

• Construction (manufacture, logistics, transport, installation, commissioning, installation vessels, workforce)

• Operation and Maintenance (access, monitoring, digitalisation, maintenance, repairs and servicing, service vessels, ROVs, workforce)

• Decommissioning and Repowering (regulatory considerations, infrastructure removal, reuse and recycling, site remediation, environmental monitoring, repowering and life-extension pathways)

12 June Extended Deadline for Abstract Submission

Extended abstracts should be no more than 3 pages and prepared in accordance with the attached extended abstract template. Completed abstracts should be submitted using the form below by 12 June 2026 for consideration by the organising committee.

Cost – Registration fees for the Gippsland New Energy Conference and ACOWE Technical Symposium will be announced later when tickets go on sale.
Every effort is being made to keep costs affordable for all attendees.

Important Dates and SUBMISSION DATE EXTENDED!

31 May 2026 – Abstract submission deadline
12 June 2026 – Extended deadline for abstract submission
15 June 2026 – Notification of accepted abstracts
TBA – Registration deadline

Further Information

For further information, please email: ACOWE-contact@unimelb.edu.au