Ocean energy devices and pilot projects should be demonstrated in real-sea conditions for several years to accelerate large-scale deployment of technologies, according to a new report.
The ‘Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda’ report published today by sectoral advisory body ETIP (European Technology and Innovation Platforms) Ocean said that the integration of ocean energy pilot farms into the energy system should be a priority.
This reflects the sector’s readiness to enter the market at a larger scale and underlines ocean energy’s key role as a balancing partner to variable wind and solar power, it said.
The report also called for improvements in sub-systems, marine operations, foundations and connections, which will reduce costs and increase the reliability and yield of ocean energy devices.
Implementing the actions outlined in the report will “bring the sector closer to a place where private investment becomes the primary driver”, the authors said.
They added that “revenue support is still needed to enable the deployment of demonstration and pre-commercial projects – together, these efforts will help deliver a decarbonised Europe, powered by ocean energy”.
European Commission deputy director general Patrick Child, who launched the report, said: “European Technology and Innovation Platforms are hugely valuable in identifying research priorities for funding programmes such as Horizon Europe.
“This report highlights the R&I potential to transform ocean energy into an economically viable source of clean energy and jobs in Europe as part of a strong, forward-looking European Green Deal.”
Tecnalia’s Jose Luis Villate, the report’s lead author said: “The new (report) provides a blueprint to keep Europe at the front of the pack in ocean energy technology development.
“Targeted innovation will bring the sector to industrial roll-out and help to reignite the European economy by providing jobs, exports, SME activity and technological leadership.”