New study sums up lessons for ocean energy development

A Study on Lessons for Ocean Energy Development, commissioned by the European Commission’s DG for Research and Innovation, has been published.

The objective of the study, conducted by Ecorys and Fraunhofer IWES, was to point out failures and good practices/lessons learnt in ocean energy technology development in Europe in relation to tidal and wave energy.

It presents a chronological overview of developments in the sector, with a focus on both technological, such as finance, IPR, and business operation, and non-technological issues and barriers to cooperation.

The study found that significant convergence has taken place in tidal energy, while there is still fragmentation in the wave segment.

The report points out that the root causes and barriers to development are diverse and interrelated, highlighting the need for an integrated approach and close cooperation between public and private actors, from industry and academia to financial institutions and governments.

Also, the study has determined that change of behavior towards embracing good practices and learning from past experiences is urgent, and that the qualification of success or failure depends on the extent to which the sector, as a whole, is able to draw learning and benefit from experiences.

The study has made recommendations for the future, such as better coordination of technology development, knowledge exchange, aligning framework conditions and support activities, and effective use of public funding.

It has been published on the EU Bookshop website.