The world’s largest network of ocean energy professionals, comprising more than 120 organisations including utilities, industry and research institutes, has welcomed the UK back into its flagship programme.
Ocean Energy Europe (OEE) called the joining ‘excellent news’ for Europe’s ocean energy sector.
“Europe is the world leader in ocean energy, and the UK is one of its pioneer countries, home to some of its most exciting projects, biggest resources and world-leading test sites,” OEE says. “While robust research funding will be welcomed by all, the opportunity for experts to work together is equally valuable when it comes to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.”
OEE has its foot in many different ocean energy sectors. These include tidal turbines, wave energy, seawater air-conditioning, ocean thermal energy conversion and salinity gradient energy, in which advanced salinity gradient technology is used to harvest energy from the difference in the salt concentration between seawater and fresh water.
“This long-awaited announcement signals a desire at the highest political level to keep the whole of Europe competitive on the global stage,” said Ocean Energy Europe’s CEO, Rémi Grue. “Despite Brexit, companies and researchers have always been committed to working together to advance ocean energy technologies. Collaborating via Horizon Europe will not only make that easier, it will also help Europe to remain the frontrunner in ocean energy worldwide.”
In January, the UK rejoined a different EU ocean research organisation having had to leave because of Brexit. An MoU was signed between the UK and the NSEC, which is comprised of representatives from nine EU countries and facilitates the coordination of offshore wind and grid development in the North, Irish and Celtic Seas.
