The European ocean energy sector is accelerating towards industrialisation. Powered by local supply chains, Europe has the chance to be the first continent to scale up ocean energy while reaping the benefits of a new industry at home.
This high-level session will gather CEOs, EU officials and members of the European Parliament to take stock of the sector’s progress and chart the path forward.
Chair: Rémi Gruet, CEO, Ocean Energy Europe
Tidal stream technologies are advancing, with more mature devices producing energy. As Europe races to meet its offshore energy targets, how do we move beyond pilot projects and scale tidal energy into a commercial reality?
This session dives into the latest developments in projects and advancements in design, materials, etc.
Chair: Matthijs Soede, Senior Policy Officer, DG RTD, European Commission
This session explores the commercialisation of wave energy in Europe, focusing on the scaling, partnerships, and investment required to move from prototype to pilot farms. Developers will showcase their commercial-ready technologies and strategies, highlighting long-term, large-scale deployment advancements.
This session will explore lessons learned on winning investor trust, and making your project bankable. What are the key technological and financial milestones needed to secure investor commitment and which public instruments can help? Take a deep dive with us to discover what’s needed to build a strong investment case.
Chair: Sue Barr, Chair, Marine Energy Council
The Ocean Energy Resource Report highlights the vast global potential of ocean energy.
As the technology advances, a growing number of projects are developing beyond Europe. Country representatives will share insights on the challenges and opportunities of scaling up ocean energy in their regions.
Chair: James Walker, Team Lead Renewables , IRENA
Ocean energy produces at different times from wind and solar and can help balance electricity supply and demand. What role is ocean energy already playing on the grid, and how can it accelerate electrification? In this session, meet the pioneering countries, utilities, and innovators deploying ocean energy to boost the grid.
Chair: Alva Bechlenberg, Energy Solution Analyst, DMEC
Ocean energy is a new industry in Europe. From fabrication to deployment, it provides new drivers of growth for traditional sectors of the blue economy. This session will explore how ocean energy can help deliver on two core priorities of the blue economy: decarbonisation and competitiveness.
Chair: Valentin Dupont, Senior Policy Officer, Ocean Energy Europe
From technology development to farm deployment, the ocean energy sector is made in Europe. It relies on a supply chain that spans multiple countries and industries. From specialized SMEs to large industrial manufacturers, the sector drives innovation, creates jobs and fosters technical cooperation across borders.
In this session, leading device manufacturers and their industrial suppliers will discuss the following questions: What does it take to build and maintain a competitive supply chain? And how can policymakers support an industry that delivers economic and strategic value to Europe?
Chair: Daniel Gerber, Team Leader, European Commission
One of our programme mainstays, the Flagship session showcases the newest projects by European developers all over the world. Check out our 2025 edition!
Chair: Henning Schuler, Policy and Research Officer, Ocean Energy Europe
The choice of drivetrain technology is a critical decision for optimising performance and cost-efficiency of tidal devices. Should tidal turbines use a direct drivetrain, bypassing the gearbox for simplicity and reliability, or opt for an indirect drivetrain with a gearbox to optimise speed and torque? Find that out in this debate!
Chair: Julian Röder, Chief Engineer, CWD