The status of ocean energy development in europe and some current research questions

European researchers and development companies are involved with wave and tidal energy systems which are, in many cases, reaching the pre-commercial stage. This paper describes the fundamental research and development stages which are necessary for a technology developer to achieve a successful outcome. The progress of a number of developers with devices that are being tested at sea is described as well as other systems which are at an earlier stage of development. The particular strategy that has been developed in Ireland is described as will the steps that the Government is taking to implement these technology developments. There are some exciting developments under way with the linking of research efforts within the European Community by coordinating activities amongst research infrastructures suitable for all stages. The project MaRINET is described which links together access to all of the significant research and testing infrastructures in Europe for wave energy, tidal stream energy and offshore wind energy together with a number of open sea test sites.. In order for the device developers to progress on the path towards commercial implementation, there are a number of research questions that need to be addressed. This is required at all stages of technology readiness levels. Research initiatives in Europe leading to a coordinated and concerted effort to support this nascent industry are also described in the context of the EERA.