Tidal energy companies Orbital Marine Power, Sabella and Sustainable Marine Energy will join forces as a ‘tidal alliance’ at the OEE2020 conference later this year in order to show how the sector is ready to become a mainstream power source.
The trio said they will bring a message to the Ocean Energy Europe (OEE) event in Brussels in December that tidal turbines have been producing power for several years now and the sector is ready for the next stage.
The alliance is the result of industry players believing in the potential of the sector to be both a climate-friendly solution and an economic opportunity, they added.
Orbital Marine Power chief executive Andrew Scott said: “We are delighted to be combining efforts with industry colleagues to bring the OEE annual conference to Brussels.
“The ever-increasing momentum and success our industry is generating is in very large part due to the alignment with the European Commission, so it is brilliant to be able to reinforce those bonds in the heart of the EU whilst showcasing the leaps forward we’re making as a sector.”
Sabella commercial director Jean-Christophe Allo said: “Continuous work from OEE helps us to identify and secure the support of EU and national funds to progress in innovation, reliability and cost reduction of our turbines.
“We will all succeed together, promoting blue energy and improving our devices.
“The future of tidal energy will only be realised through increased collaboration between major players. We deeply believe in this statement.
“That’s why we are thrilled to participate in the Tidal Alliance and strengthen teamwork.”
Sustainable Marine Energy managing director Jason Hayman said: “We are very excited to be part of the Tidal Alliance and support Ocean Energy Europe’s annual conference.
“We, and the other members of the Tidal Alliance have demonstrated that the technology can deliver.
“Sustainable Marine Energy is delivering the first commercial array in Canada, using technology developed and supplied by a number of European companies.”
He added that the trio are looking forward to meeting with policy makers, regulators and industry partners, as well as “showcasing the role that tidal energy can play in a more resilient clean energy future”.
Hayman also noted the contribution the sector can make to rebuilding economies as countries recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
OEE chief executive Remi Gruet said: “Tidal continues to make enormous strides both in innovation and in its exponential power production, generating 50% more in 2019 than the year before.
“Investing in ocean energy today will pay dividends in the future, helping build a carbon-neutral energy system and creating jobs and opportunities in a new, robust, home-grown industry.”