Abstract
IEA-OES is a Technology Collaboration Programme (TCP) on Ocean Energy Systems under the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The Technology Collaboration Programme supports the work of independent, international groups of experts that enable governments and industries from around the world to lead programmes and projects on a wide range of energy technologies and related issues. The experts in these collaborations work to advance the research, development and commercialisation of energy technologies. The scope and strategy of each collaboration is in keeping with the IEA Shared Goals of energy security, environmental protection and economic growth, as well as engagement worldwide.
The work of the IEA-OES covers all forms of energy generation in which sea water forms the motive power through its physical and chemical properties, i.e. wave, tidal range, tidal and ocean currents, ocean thermal energy conversion and salinity gradients. IEA-OES connects organisations and individuals working in the ocean energy sector to accelerate the viability, uptake and acceptance of ocean energy systems in an environmentally acceptable manner.
As of December 2021, 22 Member Countries and the European Commission are members of the IEA-OES, providing a broad international base of information, sharing experience and knowledge and further a diversified representation of interests: members are from governmental departments, utilities, universities and research organizations, energy agencies and industry associations. This is one of the benefits of joining OES: participants gain an international perspective on ocean energy issues, opportunities and present challenges.
The twenty-three members are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
The IEA-OES international co-operation facilitates:
- Securing access to advanced R&D teams in the participating countries;
- Developing a harmonized set of measures and testing protocols for the testing of prototypes;
- Reducing national costs by collaborating internationally;
- Creating valuable international contacts between government, industry and science;
- Sharing information and networking.
This Annual Report presents an overview of progress made by the IEA-OES in 2021, including summaries of ongoing projects and updated country reviews prepared by the Delegates.