UL INTERNATIONAL GMBH

Their core work

UL International GmbH, operating from Wilhelmshaven under the legacy brand DEWI (Deutsches Windenergie-Institut), is a specialized wind energy consultancy and testing organization. They provide technical expertise in wind resource assessment, turbine performance evaluation, and offshore wind technology development. Their work spans wind farm control systems, lidar-based atmospheric measurement, and structural design for offshore foundations and floating platforms. As part of the global UL group, they bridge independent research with industrial certification and advisory services for the wind energy sector.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their earlier H2020 projects (2016-2019), UL International focused on fixed-bottom offshore wind — specifically gravity-based foundations, self-installing telescopic towers, and advanced wind farm control systems. By 2019-2023, their focus shifted decisively toward floating offshore wind (mooring, dynamic cables, floater design) and remote sensing through lidar technology. This trajectory mirrors the broader European wind industry's move from proven fixed-bottom designs toward the next frontier of deep-water floating installations.

They are moving toward floating offshore wind and advanced remote sensing — positioning themselves for the expected scale-up of deep-water wind farms in European waters.

How they like to work

UL International consistently participates as a partner rather than leading consortia, contributing specialized wind energy expertise to larger research teams. With 43 unique partners across 10 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in sizable European consortia and maintain a broad network. This pattern suggests they are valued as a trusted technical contributor — the kind of partner you bring in for domain-specific wind energy knowledge rather than project management.

They have collaborated with 43 distinct partners across 10 countries through 4 projects, indicating involvement in large multi-national consortia typical of EU energy research. Their base in northern Germany's coastal wind energy hub connects them naturally to North Sea offshore wind networks.

What sets them apart

UL International (formerly DEWI) combines decades of wind energy institute heritage with the global certification and testing infrastructure of the UL group. This dual identity — independent research credibility plus industrial advisory authority — makes them a distinctive partner for projects that need both scientific rigor and industry-ready validation. For consortium builders, they offer a rare bridge between academic wind research and commercial wind farm development.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CL-Windcon
  Largest funding share (EUR 590,520) focused on closed-loop wind farm control — a critical technology for improving multi-turbine efficiency at scale.
• COREWIND
  Addresses floating offshore wind cost reduction across the full technology chain (floaters, mooring, cables, installation), positioning them at the frontier of deep-water wind energy.
• LIKE
  An MSCA training network for lidar expertise — indicates the organization's role in building the next generation of wind measurement specialists.