Europe’s ocean energy industry met with key political leaders at a high level summit in Dublin in October to present a game plan for commercialising the ocean energy sector. The summit marked the start of the two day Ocean Energy Europe Conference & Exhibition, which was held in Dublin on October 20-21.

At the conference, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Karmenu Vella convened a high level session of the Ocean Energy Forum to discuss the first conclusions of the Forum’s Strategic Roadmap, which sets out the industry’s six-point plan to bring ocean energy technologies to the marketplace.

“The action plan provides concrete proposals for public-private cooperation which would turn Europe’s technology leadership into a new industrial sector, providing growth and jobs for Europe. The industry looks forward to working with decision-makers to deliver on this plan,” Ocean Energy Europe CEO Rémi Gruet said.

''Ocean energy could meet 10% of the EU's power demand by 2050. This is a huge opportunity for the EU which currently imports more than half of its energy needs, with an annual price tag of 400 billion euros,” Commissioner Vella said.

“Making ocean energy a success will mean more business opportunities and more high-skilled jobs especially in coastal areas, and for companies that can use their existing knowledge in naval construction, offshore activities, or experience in hydro equipment manufacturing to move into ocean energy. With 45% of wave energy companies and 50% of tidal energy companies worldwide coming from the EU, we have a good chance to maintain leadership in a growing global market", concluded Commissioner Vella.
 

For more information:
http://www.oceanenergy-europe.eu/index.php/communication/press-corner/412-press-release-ocean-energy-industry-presents-its-game-plan-to-political-leaders-in-dublin