Background

There is a growing awareness of economic, energy security and environmental values of renewables and of its critical role to sustainable development. This is leading to political initiatives to promote their development.

Specific positive factors concerning ocean energy conversion are the huge energy resource that oceans contain, and the continuous development of technologies including the construction of prototypes several claiming to approach commercial viability.

The increase membership of the OES has been encouraged to help achieve its goal of advancing worldwide ocean energy development.  

What is an implementing agreement?

Implementing Agreements are multilateral technology initiatives that enable experts from governments and industry to work together to carry out programmes and projects on energy technology research, development and deployment. They are contracts based on the principle of equitable sharing of rights and obligations.

Once an Implementing Agreement has been established, its annual work programme is approved and managed by an Executive Committee comprising representatives nominated by the Contracting Parties.

There are currently 42 Implementing Agreements (IAs) working in the areas of:

• Cross-Cutting Activities
• End-Use (buildings, electricity, industry, transport)
• Fossil Fuels
• Fusion Power
• Renewable Energies and Hydrogen

The Implementing Agreement for a Co-operative Programme on Ocean Energy Systems (OES) belongs to the last category above.

 

What is the IEA framework?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) Framework for International Technology Cooperation specifies the minimum legal and management requirements for IAs including the mandate, the nature of agreements, participation and withdrawal, copyright, length of term, reporting requirements and specific provisions concerning the structure of each programme.

What is the role of the IEA in the Implementing Agreements?

The IEA Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT)  regularly review  the IAs according to the following criteria:

• strategic direction
• scope
• contractual and management requirements
• contribution to technology evolution
• contribution to technology deployment / market facilitation
• policy relevance
• contribution to environmental protection
• information dissemination
• outreach to IEA non-member countries
• added value

In addition, the IEA Secretariat provides support to the IAs by providing legal advice, acting as a conduit between the Agreements and policy makers and promoting IA outcomes through Energy Technology Initiatives, the OPEN Bulletin, the IEA website and at international events.