A multilateral technology initiative on ocean energy

The Implementing Agreement on Ocean Energy Systems (OES-IA) is one of ten International Energy Agency (IEA) Implementing Agreements within the renewable energy domain. The OES-IA is an important platform for a wide range of international collaborative R&D activities in ocean energy. The OES-IA has the following mission: “To facilitate and co-ordinate ocean energy research, development and demonstration through international co-operation and information exchange, leading to the deployment and commercialisation of sustainable, efficient, reliable, cost-competitive and environmentally sound ocean energy technologies.” The first term of the OES-IA, which ran from 2001 until 2006, was extended until 2011 and 3rd 5-year term is being contemplated. The mechanisms of collaboration have been through the activities of specific work programmes (known as Annexes to the OES-IA work programme). During the present period, 4 Annexes have been in force, one of which was initiated in 2009: Assessment of Environmental Effects and Monitoring Efforts for Ocean Wave, Tidal, and Current Energy Systems. In late 2009 the Executive Committee (ExCo) approved the preparation of an OES-IA document to summarise the position, direction and opportunities for ocean energy in the future. The document, an “International Vision for Ocean Energy” will provide a firm but interim vision for ocean energy to 2020 with a perspective on developments towards 2050. This Vision is summarized in this paper and the main achievements of OES-IA during 2009-2010 are presented.