OCEANERA-NET: Supporting the coordination of national research activities of Member States and Associated States in the field of Ocean Energy

Europe’s vast coastline harbours enormous ocean energy potential to be exploited as a source of renewable electricity contributing towards the 2020 targets and beyond. The ocean is a complex working environment, relatively little is known about it and it is widely used for other purposes, such as fishing, transport and recreation. However, the price tag for the introduction of ocean power generation is high, estimated by DG MARE at 380 GW. Currently, several member states and regions are funding ocean energy research, demonstration, technology and innovation (RDT&I). There is a common goal to generate knowledge about the marine environment and to accelerate the development of this emerging sector. However, these research efforts are not coordinated. For this reason member states are proposing the ERA-NET for ocean energy as described in this document. The ERA-NET will provide a framework for transnational joint activities and cooperate with the EERA Ocean Energy Joint Programme; other relevant European projects and industry actors. This wide-ranging ERA-NET brings together 16 partners from nine states with the intention of reaping the benefits of coordinated research funding. Member States have different levels of engagement in the ocean energy sector, and it is important that ERA-NET actions reflect this. The aim is to improve the quality, scope and fragmentation of research through better networking, addressing common barriers and improving coordination. The proposal provides for the implementation of the project from networking and knowledge sharing to the launch of at least one transnational joint call. In doing so, the partners will develop a shared vision for the sector, an action plan for delivery and a toolkit for management. The result will be reduced fragmentation in research funding, the development and further uptake of best practice and support for commercialisation of the ocean energy sector.