Page 14: of Marine Technology Magazine (January 2020)

Insights Renewable Energy Prospects

Ocean Energy Systems

Expecting a surge in wave and tidal energy activity in 2020

By Henry Jeffrey

Ocean Energy Systems (OES) was launched in 2001 as a technology col- laboration program of the International

Energy Agency (IEA). It was created in response to increased ocean wave and tidal current energy activity primarily in Denmark, Portugal and the United

Kingdom. The organization today con- sists of 25 members including special- ists from government departments, na- tional energy agencies, and research and scienti? c bodies. OES Chair Henry Jef- frey explains why the outlook for ocean energy advances looks particularly posi- tive for 2020.

In recent months OES has recorded major progress across the ocean energy sector with global tidal projects achiev- ing extensive operating hours and wave two wave energy machines using the funding. These projects are increasing technology advancing in large-scale Stage Gate selection process. The Eu- knowledge and understanding of de- laboratory and offshore test sites. A ropean Commission is further investing vice developments. The strengthened growing range of devices are now being in a broad set of initiatives and deploy- communication is also helping tackle tested in open water through an increase ments. pressing issues surrounding design and of cross-border R&D projects supported OES is expecting to see many more ef? ciency improvements, array con? gu- by the European Commission. positive advances in 2020 as govern- rations, environmental impacts and cost

These developments are documented ments around the world look to harness reduction. in the OES 2019 Annual Report, which the power from the ocean. Strong progress is also being record- also reveals signi? cant public and pri- A key function of OES is to provide ed across a number of OES collabora- vate sector investment earmarked for a comprehensive overview of ocean en- tive strategic tasks. The OES ‘Task on 2020. Marquee projects include $25m ergy policy, research and technology be- Cost of Energy’ is being successfully pledged by the US Department of En- ing implemented by member countries. used alongside the ‘Stage Gate Metrics ergy to support 12 ‘next-generation’ One notable trend we are observing is a Task’ to analyze historical trends, future marine energy pilots and Wave Energy growing number of ‘cross-border’ R&D developments and various nuances be-

Scotland committing £7.7 million to projects supported by European Union tween technologies and countries. This January/February 2020 14

MTR

MTR #1 (1-17).indd 14 1/23/2020 11:44:43 AM