What can be achieved using ocean renewable energy by 2050?
Where are the biggest opportunities?
How many jobs will be created?
These were just some of the key questions posed at a recent workshop of Ocean Energy Systems (OES) and The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), organised within the framework of the OECD Project on the “Future of the Ocean Economy”.
Hosted by the International Energy Association (IEA) in Paris, the workshop was attended by 17 member countries of the OES and opened by Barrie Stevens of the OECD. In his opening remarks Mr Stevens highlighted the importance of taking the long-term view on wind, tidal and wave energy, not only as a vital contribution to future renewable energy supplies, but also as potential sources of income generation, high-quality job creation and innovation.
José Luis Villate, Chairman of Ocean Energy Systems said that a workshop such as this was an ideal forum to exchange practical ideas in an international context and address fundamental challenges facing this growing industry. He went on to say “the OES mission is to collaborate internationally to accelerate the development of ocean energy and this workshop perfectly fits our strategy. Ocean energy can clearly contribute to overcome critical challenges in most parts of the world: to reduce CO2 emissions, to diversify sources of energy and to contribute to economic growth and job creation in particular in maritime sectors.”
The workshop was moderated by Eoin Sweeney of the Irish Marine Institute. With a coastline of 1500 Km and a sea area of ten times that of its land area, Ireland is one of Europe’s most progressive countries in the field of marine renewable energy. Ireland’s recent commitment to substantial investment in research and technological development is in line with EU environmental and international guidelines and is typical of the emerging attitude of governments around the world to this carbon-free energy resource.
The workshop followed a two day meeting of the 26th Executive Committee Meeting of OES, whose 2013 Annual Report has now been published.
The report includes country-by-country information, with an overview of ocean energy policy, R&D projects and new developments presented by each of the 21 OES member countries. For a copy of the report go to http://www.ocean-energy-systems.org/news/2013_annual_report/
