Ocean energy industry presents commercialisation roadmap to EU leaders

Europe’s ocean energy industry will meet with key political leaders at a summit in Dublin today to present a game plan for commercialising the ocean energy sector, according to Ocean Energy Europe.

The summit marks the start of the two day Ocean Energy Europe Conference & Exhibition in Dublin.

At the conference, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Karmenu Vella, will convene a session of the Ocean Energy Forum to discuss the first conclusions of the Forum’s strategic roadmap.

It sets out the industry’s six-point plan for bringing ocean energy technologies to the marketplace.

Karmenu Vella said: “Making ocean energy a success will mean more business opportunities and more high-skilled jobs especially in coastal areas, and for companies that can use their existing knowledge in naval construction, offshore activities, or experience in hydro equipment manufacturing to move into ocean energy. With 45% of wave energy companies and 50% of tidal energy companies worldwide coming from the EU, we have a good chance to maintain leadership in a growing global market.”

Vella added that the ocean energy could meet 10% of the EU’s power demand by 2015, what represents a huge opportunity for EU to decrease its energy imports.

Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe, said: “The action plan provides concrete proposals for public-private cooperation which would turn Europe’s technology leadership into a new industrial sector, providing growth and jobs for Europe. The industry looks forward to working with decision-makers to deliver on this plan.”

Ireland’s Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, welcomed the draft roadmap, stating: “It is in all our interests to accelerate the development of ocean energy. Not only in terms of contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but also in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. I wish all the various interests well in finalising the roadmap over the next 12 months.”

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Image: OEE