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EU aims for ‘massive change of scale’ on tidal, wave energy
(EurActiv, 17 Nov 2020) While focusing chiefly on wind power, the European Commission’s upcoming offshore energy strategy also seeks to boost other ocean energy sources like wave and tidal, according to a draft policy document seen by EURACTIV.
The EU executive’s ambitions on ocean energies – mainly wave and tidal – are laid out in a draft EU strategy on offshore renewables, due to be published on Thursday (19 November).
“Ocean energy technologies are expected to make a significant contribution to Europe’s energy system and industry as from 2030,” the Commission says in its draft strategy, seen by EURACTIV.
Tides and waves are more predictable than wind and sunshine. As such, ocean energies are seen as “playing a crucial role in the decarbonisation of EU islands” and in stabilising the electricity grid, which is coming under growing strain from rising shares of variable wind and solar power.
However, no ocean energy technology has prevailed at the moment, the EU executive notes, saying “significant cost reduction is needed for tidal and wave energy technologies to exploit their potential in the energy mix.”
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EurActiv, 17 Nov 2020: EU aims for ‘massive change of scale’ on tidal, wave energy
