We contribute to EU policy
Renewable energy targets
By 2030, the EU aims to reduce carbon emissions, with a 32% share of energy coming from renewables. OTEC has been identified as one of several ocean energy technologies to help reach this target as well as the plan for a circular economy. More precisely, the European Technology Innovation Platform on Ocean Energy 6 defined the development of anti-biofouling as a priority.
The goal is to prevent biofouling through the development of innovative coats, methods or materials, which allow reduction of operation and maintenance costs. This is particularly true for OTEC, as new anti-biofouling methods will increase not only longevity of the equipment but also the performance of the system. Furthermore, improvements in OTEC efficiency will also help the EU achieve its long-term vision of a climate neutral Europe by 2050.
Climate policies
Harnessing the economic potential of our seas and oceans in a sustainable manner is a key element in the EU’s maritime policy. The ocean energy sector was highlighted in the Commission’s Blue Growth Strategy as one of five developing areas in the “blue economy” that could help drive job creation in coastal areas. The Blue Growth strategy also cites that the position of European industry in the global ocean energy market is currently strong.
The ocean energy resource available globally exceeds our present and projected future energy needs. In the EU, the highest potential for the development of ocean energy is on the Atlantic seaboard but is also present in the Mediterranean and the Baltic basins and in the Outermost Regions. Exploiting this indigenous resource would help to mitigate EU dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation and enhance energy security. This may be particularly important for island nations and regions, where ocean energy can contribute to energy self-sufficiency and replace expensive diesel-generated electricity.
The “Clean Energy for EU Islands” initiative, launched in 2017, aims to drive the clean energy transition on European islands; regions that face a particular set of energy challenges and opportunities due to their specific geographic and climatic conditions. The opportunities offered by OTEC have the potential to make Europe’s island communities leaders in innovation leaders in the clean energy transition for Europe and beyond.
By 2030, the EU aims to reduce carbon emissions, with a 32% share of energy coming from renewables. OTEC has been identified as one of several ocean energy technologies to help reach this target as well as the plan for a circular economy. More precisely, the European Technology Innovation Platform on Ocean Energy 6 defined the development of anti-biofouling as a priority.
The goal is to prevent biofouling through the development of innovative coats, methods or materials, which allow reduction of operation and maintenance costs. This is particularly true for OTEC, as new anti-biofouling methods will increase not only longevity of the equipment but also the performance of the system. Furthermore, improvements in OTEC efficiency will also help the EU achieve its long-term vision of a climate neutral Europe by 2050.
Climate policies
Harnessing the economic potential of our seas and oceans in a sustainable manner is a key element in the EU’s maritime policy. The ocean energy sector was highlighted in the Commission’s Blue Growth Strategy as one of five developing areas in the “blue economy” that could help drive job creation in coastal areas. The Blue Growth strategy also cites that the position of European industry in the global ocean energy market is currently strong.
The ocean energy resource available globally exceeds our present and projected future energy needs. In the EU, the highest potential for the development of ocean energy is on the Atlantic seaboard but is also present in the Mediterranean and the Baltic basins and in the Outermost Regions. Exploiting this indigenous resource would help to mitigate EU dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation and enhance energy security. This may be particularly important for island nations and regions, where ocean energy can contribute to energy self-sufficiency and replace expensive diesel-generated electricity.
The “Clean Energy for EU Islands” initiative, launched in 2017, aims to drive the clean energy transition on European islands; regions that face a particular set of energy challenges and opportunities due to their specific geographic and climatic conditions. The opportunities offered by OTEC have the potential to make Europe’s island communities leaders in innovation leaders in the clean energy transition for Europe and beyond.