The DIS@-events tour on wind farm disputes had its next stop at Singapore Convention Week on 29 August 2025. The event was very well attended with some 65 participants. It kicked off with a short commercial on the DIS, which was followed by a moderated discussion.
The panel with speakers from Germany, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Denmark, and England provided insights into practical issues arising in complex offshore and onshore wind farm projects. While winds farms have been developed in Germany, Denmark, and England for quite some time now, sometimes leading to disputes, offshore wind farm projects are a relatively new phenomenon in Asia. An exchange on lessons learned was therefore interesting for all involved, including the audience.
Three different aspects were discussed. First, what are the distinctive features of wind farm disputes? Many panellists stressed that wind farm disputes include something for every type of arbitration lawyer: construction, commercial and investor-state. There are also some distinctive features, such as: the vessel bottleneck; the quite different types of actors who must collaborate over a long-time frame; constantly evolving technology; and a legal framework, to name a few. Second, what can be done at the outset of a project to prevent or manage later disputes better? Approach the project holistically and anticipate areas of dispute. A well-thought through warranty regime was considered critical as well as taking care of the connecting the different actors. Third, what types of disputes have been seen and what role can ADR play in resolving them? Various facets were identified and commented on.
The audience left with lots of food for thought and enjoyed some networking over a second breakfast. The event showed that experiences made in Germany are a good basis for discussion with our peers abroad. Such an exchange helps to build bridges and foster links.
Jan K. Schäfer