Earlier this week, the IEA-OES published its 2021 Annual Report, the most comprehensive annual overview of national policies, research and technology demonstration on ocean energy in its member countries.

It acknowledges the work undertaken by the Blue Economy CRC, our national policy support and Australia’s investment into ocean energy R&D.

The International Energy Agency – Ocean Energy Systems (IEA-OES)

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.

Key Australian Report Highlights

The 2021 Annual Report presents an overview of ocean energy activities in 2021 including the achievements and progress of OES collaborative projects. It specifies key country highlights including the recent investment, support and achievements within Australia.

The Australia excerpt, authored by the OES Australia Delegation Group, Stephanie Thornton (AOEG), Mark Hemer and Tracey Pitman from CSIRO, with input from Irene Penesis (Blue Economy CRC), details the key highlights of activities underway in Australia and across the globe.

Policy Support

The report begins by highlighting the supporting policies in Australia supporting ocean energy, including the approval of the Australian national Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill.

“The passing of this bill is a strong step forward in support of Australian ocean energy development.”

“This provides a policy framework for the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of offshore electricity projects in Australian Commonwealth waters. It supports state and national planning.”

The OE policy initiatives highlight the Blue Economy CRCs identification of ocean energy within the Offshore Renewable Energy Program, specifically Tasmania’s offshore resources as a possible new generation in support of the State’s renewable energy goals.

Research & Development

On an R&D level, the report details two of the Blue Economy CRC’s current projects and their investment into ocean energy including:

  1. The Seeding Marine Innovation in WA with a Wave Energy Deployment in Albany project and the work being undertaken in Western Australia with the M4 Project in demonstrating the region’s wave potential energy.
  2. The MoorPower™ Scaled Demonstrator project with the application of Carnegie’s CETO technology into a novel wave converter system for use in offshore energy demand applications.

Key National Events

The report highlights the significance of the Blue Economy CRC events including the webinar series, the success of the 2021 Participants Workshop and the upcoming Australian Ocean Energy Market Summit which will be held prior to the 3rd Annual Participants Workshop.

Visit the Ocean Energy Systems website to download a copy of the full report.