Exploring Offshore Testing Facilities (Webinar) Delivered by Global Underwater Hub, Marine Energy Wales and ORE Catapult  

Date: 14 October 2026
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am 
Location: Online 

This webinar, delivered in partnership with Marine Energy Wales, will provide a practical introduction to the Marine Energy Test Area (META) and explore how dedicated marine testing infrastructure can support innovation across the offshore and marine sectors. Designed for developers, technology providers, supply chain companies, researchers, and stakeholders, the session will highlight the growing demand for accessible marine test facilities and demonstrate the opportunities available through META.

The event will begin with a presentation from GUH outlining ongoing engagement with industry and the recurring challenges identified by companies developing subsea cables, mooring systems, marine robotics, autonomous technologies, sensors, and other offshore solutions. These discussions have consistently highlighted the importance of real-world testing environments that enable technology validation, performance assessment, and risk reduction before commercial deployment.

Building on this context, Marine Energy Wales will provide an overview of the Marine Energy Test Area, showcasing its capabilities, infrastructure, testing environments, and the support available to organisations seeking to progress their technologies. Attendees will gain insight into the practical applications of the facility, the types of projects it can support, and how companies can engage with the test area to accelerate innovation and market readiness.

The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to discuss their specific testing requirements, explore potential opportunities, and engage directly with experts from both organisations.

Why Attend?
By attending this webinar, you will:
•    Learn about the Marine Energy Test Area (META) and its testing capabilities
•    Understand how offshore test facilities can support technology development and market readiness
•    Gain insight into common testing and validation challenges faced across the underwater and offshore sectors
•    Explore opportunities to reduce technical and commercial risk prior to deployment
•    Discover how organisations can access and engage with testing infrastructure
•    Connect directly with experts from Global Underwater Hub and Marine Energy Wales

Who Should Attend?
This webinar is relevant for:
•    Technology developers and innovators
•    Offshore energy project developers
•    Subsea and marine engineering companies
•    Robotics and autonomous systems developers
•    Sensor and monitoring technology providers
•    Universities, research organisations, and innovation centres
•    Supply chain companies supporting offshore energy projects
•    Organisations interested in testing, demonstration, and technology validation opportunities

Key Learning Outcomes
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of:
•    The role of marine test facilities in accelerating innovation
•    The infrastructure and services available through META
•    Suitable testing pathways for a range of offshore technologies
•    Funding, support, and collaboration opportunities available through the Welsh marine energy ecosystem
•    Practical considerations when planning offshore testing campaigns

Booking Details: 
This webinar is free to attend. 

Booking closes at 15:00 on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
Please note this is an online event. Joining instructions will be sent following registration.
For details of our event terms and conditions, please click here

About Marine Energy Wales 
Marine Energy Wales is the representative body for Wales' marine renewable energy sector, bringing together project developers, technology innovators, suppliers, academia, and the public sector to help realise Wales' marine energy potential.
The organisation supports the growth of wave, tidal, and floating offshore wind technologies through collaboration, innovation, skills development, investment attraction, and industry engagement. Find out more: MEW | Marine Energy Wales

About Global Underwater Hub 
Global Underwater Hub (GUH) is the leading trade and industry development body for the UK's underwater sectors. A member-led organisation, GUH represents businesses operating across the UK's £9.4 billion underwater industry, supporting collaboration, innovation, and supply chain growth across offshore energy, defence, marine science, and other underwater markets.
Find out more about becoming a member.