The Next "Big Thing" In Energy

In an article published by Innovation News Network, Donagh Cagney - Policy Director of Ocean Energy Europe - makes the case for ocean energy technology that can fill the gap "when the wind isn't blowing, and the sun isn't shining".

Describing the oceans as "the world's largest untapped source of power", Mr Cagney points out that "Ocean energy is clean, renewable and has the potential to provide 10% of Europe's current electricity needs by 2050. That is enough to power 94 million households every year. In addition, a strong ocean energy industry will yield many economic benefits for Europe, from local jobs to global export opportunities."

Mr Cagney argues that existing R&D investment in ocean energy must be underpinned by an increase in "market visibility" in EU member states: this can be achieved, he believes, if policymakers commit to creating the right conditions for the ocean energy industry to "scale up", by providing the same opportunities which were given