Alongside TalTech, the Estonian University of Technology, the Avara project and its consortium are organizing the “Floating Offshore Wind Youth Challenge” which will take place from 4 to 31 March 2026. This university competition promotes learning and engagement in the renewable energy sector. By offering a challenge that requires creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, the Youth Challenge will allow participants to practice and develop their engineering and design skills while interacting with industry experts.
A Competition in 3 Stages
Simulation Game: During this 14-day stage, participants will use a simulator to create a floating platform capable of supporting a wind turbine. This will give them the opportunity to learn more about the technical specifications of different offshore wind platforms and to develop multidisciplinary knowledge (engineering, physics, mathematics, etc.).
Design Workshop and Building the Platform: Over 16 days, participants will take part in a workshop where they will work in groups to optimize their platform to make it as stable and efficient as possible. Guided by experts, they will build a miniature model of a floating offshore wind turbine platform.
Testing the Platform: This final stage focuses on practical application, as participants test their platform in a basin specifically designed for this purpose at Tallinn University of Technology. During this stage, participants will be evaluated on the stability and performance of their design.
A Competition Focused on Offshore Wind Experience
Beyond the competitive aspect, this event will allow students to explore the world of floating offshore wind energy, both in theory and in practice. They will learn to compare different types of platforms, their advantages, their limitations, and the conditions in which they should be used. They will then design and build their own platforms while addressing physical challenges such as wind, waves, buoyancy, and stability.
The experience is further enriched through interactions with researchers, engineers, and industry managers, helping participants understand current trends and the future of the sector without being limited to theoretical learning.
