For Immediate Release: January 15, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]
BALTIMORE — Oceantic Network today announced Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), as a keynote speaker for its annual International Partnering Forum (IPF), taking place February 9-12, in New York City. Ms. Harris will address attendees during the offshore energy conference’s Opening Plenary on Tuesday, February 10. She will be joined throughout IPF Week by more than 100 speakers across state government, academia and research, finance and law, emerging technology, and supply chain sectors.
“Successful industry-government partnerships emphasize the critical role offshore wind plays in not only meeting state energy demands affordably and reliably but driving a host of economic benefits for local communities,” said Liz Burdock, President and CEO of Oceantic Network. “States continue to be steadfast partners to Oceantic and bring undeniable value to the industry now and into the future.”
Doreen M. Harris, NYSERDA President and CEO, said, “I look forward to setting the stage for IPF’s dynamic lineup of speakers and kicking off valuable discussions around the offshore wind ecosystem––from ports and projects to supply chain and innovative technology solutions. New York is working to advance an affordable, abundant, reliable, and diverse clean energy future––as demonstrated through New York’s recent announcement of port infrastructure funding and by participating in events like this that provide a crucial forum to share and learn as we collectively chart a path forward.”
A powerhouse lineup of state leaders and industry champions will also be present at IPF, representing a broad contingent of states that are driving the demand for offshore wind, collaborating to advance local supply chains, creating jobs, and accelerating American energy deployment. They include; Will Cox, Vice President Business Development and Investments at Rhode Island Commerce; Celina Cunningham, Deputy Director of the Maine Department of Energy Resources; Katie Dykes, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner; and Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resource.
IPF is the premier technical and business conference for offshore wind and marine renewable energy, and this year’s program will feature an expanded focus on emerging ocean-based energy technologies and their alignment with the global offshore wind supply chain. Premier Tim Houston will also address attendees during the offshore energy conference’s Closing Plenary on Thursday, February 12, sharing Nova Scotia’s bold offshore energy vision and the province’s commitment to international collaboration. Notable industry players are sponsoring and attending the conference, including Clarksons, DEME, Flanders Investment & Trade, Latham & Watkins, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, McAllister Towing, National Grid Ventures, Port of Long Beach, Siemens Energy, Siemens Gamesa, Turn Forward, Waterson Terminal Services, and WindServe Marine.
“I’m excited for IPF because it’s where the ideas, partners, and momentum that shape the future of the ocean economy all come together,” said Will Cox, Vice President Business Development and Investments at Rhode Island Commerce. “Rhode Island has an incredible story to tell in offshore wind and marine innovation, and I’m looking forward to sharing how we’re building the next generation of ocean-tech leadership.”
“I am looking forward to discussing Maine’s offshore wind research and collaborating with neighboring states and partners at IPF,” said Celina Cunningham, Deputy Director of the Maine Department of Energy Resources. “By sharing knowledge through forums like this, we can advance responsible offshore wind development, strengthen energy reliability, and deliver long-term benefits for Maine and the region.”
“Offshore wind remains an important component of grid reliability in New England, and our efforts to make energy more affordable for our ratepayers,” said Katie Dykes, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner. “It strengthens America’s energy security, grows our economy, and supports local good-paying union jobs. I look forward to this important discussion of best practices, challenges, and possible solutions.”
“IPF brings state policymakers and industry together for meaningful collaboration, and I look forward to the exchange of ideas and discussion around the future of our blue economy,” said Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. “Massachusetts helped lay the groundwork for U.S offshore wind, and the projects that developers want to build can lower costs for our ratepayers and create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic benefits for states.”
2026 IPF-Energy at Sea will convene global leaders, developers, suppliers, and policymakers in New York City, expanding the conversation to include grid and transmission and the broad spectrum of ocean economy sectors, including tidal, wave, and floating solar energy technologies, networking and business development, and strategic dialogue. Exclusive sessions will spotlight state leadership, technical deep dives, and opportunities for collaboration across the offshore wind supply chain. Proceeds from IPF directly fund Oceantic Network’s work to expand the U.S. supply chain and deliver industry-leading, accredited education and collaboration platforms.
For more information about 2026 IPF, including registration details and sponsorship opportunities, visit the conference website. Hotel reservations can be made online under the official room block while availability lasts.
Additional Information:
Attending journalists will have unique access to influential voices right in the heart of New York City. Members of the press can request a complementary pass to IPF here. For more information, or to arrange an interview with an Oceantic spokesperson, contact us at [email protected].
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At Oceantic Network, we envision a thriving offshore wind and marine renewable energy (MRE) sector powering strong economies. Our collaborative member network advances the ocean economy by building a robust, resilient, and local supply chain. For more than a decade, Oceantic Network has grown alongside industry, setting the pace for an expanded view of what marine renewable energy can deliver to our nation’s energy security and independence. For more information about Oceantic membership, products and services, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
