WECANet: The first open pan-European network for marine renewable energy with a focus on wave Energy-COST action CA17105

Vasiliki Stratigaki , Peter Troch, Matthew Folley, David Forehand, Eva Loukogeorgaki, Liliana Rusu, Moncho Gomez Gesteira, Aleksander Grm, Fransesco Ferri, Lorenzo Cappietti, Irina Temiz, Constantinos Michalilides, George Lavidas, Xenia Loizidou, Maxim Candries

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Growing energy demand has increased interest in marine renewable energy resources, i.e. wave energy which is harvested through Wave Energy Converter (WEC) Arrays.
However, the wave energy industry is currently at a significant juncture in its development, facing a number of challenges which require that research re-focuses on a holistic techno-economic perspective, where economics consider the full life-cycle costs of the technology. It also requires development of WECs suitable for niche markets, because in Europe there are inequalities regarding wave energy resources, wave energy companies, national programmes and investments. As a result, in Europe there are leading and non-leading countries in wave energy technology. The sector also needs to increase confidence of potential investors by reducing (non-)technological risks. This can be achieved through an interdisciplinary approach by involving engineers, economists, environmental scientists, legislation, governmental bodies and policy experts. Consequently, the wave energy sector needs to receive the necessary attention compared to other more advanced and commercial ocean energy technologies (e.g. offshore wind).
The formation of the first open pan-European Network on an interdisciplinary approach will contribute to largescale WEC Array deployment by dealing with the current bottlenecks. The WECANet European COST Action, introduced in September 2018 and presented in this paper, aims at a collaborative and inclusive approach, as it provides a strong networking platform that also creates the space for dialogue between all stakeholders in wave energy. An important characteristic of the Action is that participation is open to all parties interested and active in the development of wave energy. Previous activities organised by WECANet core group members have resulted in a number of joint European projects and scientific publications. WECANet’s main target is the equal research, training, networking, collaboration and funding opportunities for all researchers and professionals, regardless of age, gender and country in order to obtain understanding in the main challenges governing the development of the wave energy sector.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 13th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC 2019)
PublisherEWTEC
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventEWTEC 2019: 13th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference - Naples, Italy
Duration: 1 Sept 20196 Sept 2019
https://ewtec.org/conferences/ewtec-2019/

Publication series

NameProceedings of the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Volume13
ISSN (Electronic)2309-1983

Conference

ConferenceEWTEC 2019: 13th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityNaples
Period1/09/196/09/19
Internet address

Keywords

  • CA17105
  • European COST Action
  • Marine renewable energy network
  • Ocean energy
  • WECANet
  • Wave energy
  • Wave energy converters

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'WECANet: The first open pan-European network for marine renewable energy with a focus on wave Energy-COST action CA17105'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this