The Offshore Wind Energy Centre of Gdańsk University of Technology (OWEC) is a university-wide, interdisciplinary research and development unit dedicated to advancing knowledge, technologies, and competencies in the field of offshore wind energy. The Centre serves as a platform for collaboration between academia, industry partners, and public institutions in the areas of scientific research, innovation, and education for the offshore wind sector.
OWEC’s activities include conducting advanced research on wind energy technologies, developing solutions that improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of offshore infrastructure, and supporting knowledge transfer between academia and industry. The Centre is also involved in the development of educational programmes, workshops, and training initiatives aimed at preparing specialists for the rapidly growing offshore wind energy sector.
By integrating scientific research, technological development, and cooperation with industry and international partners, the Centre actively contributes to the energy transition and the development of renewable energy sources in Poland and across Europe.
The Centre is headed by Michał Wójcik, PhD, DSc Eng., who coordinates the development of research initiatives, collaboration with industry, and international projects in the field of offshore wind energy.
Areas of activity of the Offshore Wind Energy Centre
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING (SHM)
Beata Zima, PhD, DSc Eng.
This area focuses on developing methods for assessing the technical condition of wind energy infrastructure, particularly offshore wind turbines. Research includes the design and integration of sensors with structures, advanced signal analysis, multi-sensor data fusion, and methods for detecting and monitoring structural damage. The goal is to increase turbine reliability, extend their operational lifetime, and optimize the operation and maintenance of wind farms.
AI & DIGITAL SYSTEMS
Patryk Ziolkowski, PhD Eng.
This area focuses on the development of digital tools supporting the design, operation, and management of wind farms. Research includes digital twins, analysis of monitoring data, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning for diagnostics and predictive maintenance. Activities also involve autonomous inspection systems using drones and robotics, as well as VR/AR technologies supporting offshore training and operational processes.
ELECTRICAL MACHINE SYSTEMS AND ENERGY CONVERSION
Roland Ryndzionek, PhD, DSc Eng.
Research in this area focuses on the integration of wind farms into the power system and the development of advanced power electronics technologies. It includes modelling of generators, the design of power electronic converters, development of new control methods for electrical devices, and research on smart grids. Work is conducted through simulations, laboratory experiments, and real-time testing.
AERODYNAMICS, AEROELASTICITY AND AEROACOUSTICS
Prof. Eng. Pawel Flaszynski
This area covers research on wind turbine aerodynamics and complex physical phenomena affecting turbine performance. Studies include aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, aeroacoustics, as well as numerical modelling and multiphysics simulations. These activities support the design of more efficient and reliable wind turbines and the optimization of their performance under varying environmental conditions.
COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND COLLABORATION
Mohammad Ghaemi, PhD Eng.
The Centre develops educational and training programmes supporting the development of specialists for the offshore wind sector. Activities include academic programmes, lifelong learning courses, summer schools, research and industrial internships, and the implementation of master’s and doctoral theses in cooperation with industry. International collaboration and the involvement of industry partners in education and research projects are also key elements.
COORDINATION AND PROMOTION
Agata Krysiuk, MA
Activities in the area of coordination and promotion are carried out by a team composed of representatives of the Offshore Wind Energy Centre, the Promotion Office of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at Gdańsk University of Technology, and the Strategic Projects Office of Gdańsk University of Technology. The team is responsible for coordinating the Centre’s initiatives, communication with national and international partners, and promoting research, project, and educational activities in the field of offshore wind energy. It also supports cooperation between academia and industry and disseminates the results of research and projects conducted within OWEC.
Membership in Organizations and Cooperation Networks
International Energy Agency Wind Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Wind TCP)
Gdańsk University of Technology is actively involved in the International Energy Agency Wind Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Wind TCP) - a global research cooperation platform in the field of wind energy operating under the framework of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Michał Wójcik, PhD, DSc Eng., Prof. at Gdańsk University of Technology, and Hossein Ghaemi, PhD Eng. represent Poland in the IEA Wind Executive Committee, which defines the strategic directions for international cooperation and the development of wind energy technologies worldwide.
As part of this collaboration, Gdańsk University of Technology also prepared the “Poland Annual Report 2024” for IEA Wind, presenting the development of the wind energy sector in Poland, key research projects, and major scientific and industry-related activities in this field. We invite you to read the report HERE.
European Academy of Wind Energy (EAWE)
Michał Wójcik, PhD, DSc Eng., Prof. at Gdańsk University of Technology, represents Gdańsk University of Technology in the European Academy of Wind Energy (EAWE) - a leading European scientific network bringing together research institutions involved in wind energy research. As a member of the EAWE Strategy Committee, he contributes to shaping the strategic directions for research development and scientific cooperation in wind energy across Europe.
Pomeranian Cooperation Network
The Offshore Wind Energy Centre of Gdańsk University of Technology is a member of the Pomeranian Cooperation Network - Energy Sector, including Renewable Energy Sources (RES), an initiative of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Government aimed at strengthening cooperation between public administration, academia, businesses, and business support institutions.
The network serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, with the goal of jointly developing solutions addressing the region’s development challenges, particularly in the areas of labour market needs, skills development, and the growth of key sectors of the Pomeranian economy, including the energy sector and renewable energy sources.
Participation in the Pomeranian Cooperation Network enables active involvement in developing regional development recommendations, exchanging best practices, and building long-term partnerships between academia, industry, and public administration.