Global Review of Recent Ocean Energy Activities

Abstract

AbstractOcean energy is regarded as an important future source of energy generation in many countries for transition to a low-carbon future. While commercial interest in ocean energy is growing significantly at a global level, there are considerable investment costs and bottlenecks that will need to be overcome. Research and funds are spread over many different wave and marine current energy concepts under development, and there is still no technology convergence, in contrast to what happened in wind energy. Although an important marine energy resource, discussion of offshore wind energy is not included in this manuscript. This article focuses on the latest developments in ocean energy—in particular, open-sea testing facilities set up by several countries as a measure to encourage deployment and streamlining procedures—and gives an overview of projects going into the water this past year. In addition, the article highlights the importance of collaborative research and development on ocean energy projects and the unique role of the Ocean Energy Systems Implementing Agreement as an intergovernmental organization promoting the use of ocean energy (wave, marine currents, tidal, ocean thermal gradients and salinity gradients) for energy extraction.