• The Blue Economy CRC will host the leading global ocean energy event, the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2024) to be held on the 17th – 19th September, 2024 in Melbourne.
  • Held for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, ICOE 2024 will bring together ocean energy leaders, decision-makers and researchers for a rich and exciting programme of sessions, workshops, networking, technical site visits and an insight into Australasia’s rapidly evolving ocean energy activities.
  • This global marine energy event, expecting to attract up to 1000 delegates from across Europe, North and South America and Australasia, will share recent experiences from research and demonstration efforts in ocean energy.

The Blue Economy CRC is pleased to announce it will host the 2024 International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE 2024) to be held on the 17th – 19th September, 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The winning bid, led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program marks the first time this global marine energy event will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

Up to 1000 ocean energy leaders, decision-makers and researchers from every corner of the globe are expected to gather in Melbourne at ICOE 2024 for a rich and exciting programme of sessions, workshops, networking, technical site visits and an insight into Australasia’s rapidly evolving ocean energy activities.

Australia has moved from a target of 26% carbon emissions reduction to a 43% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The ocean energy sector has a pivotal role to play and ICOE 2024 will bring together all the key players in the sector to meet this transformational shift.

The Blue Economy CRC is one of the major national institutes supporting sustainable offshore renewable energy developments and the hosting of ICOE 2024 provides an opportunity for attendees to see first-hand the industry and expertise that exists in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region and support global ocean energy connections.

ICOE 2024 Chair, IEA-OES Primary Delegate for Australia & Research Director at the Blue Economy CRC Professor Irene Penesis says:

“Australia is buzzing with projects that showcase the importance of ocean energy for a more sustainable future. Ocean energy is no longer a question, but a need for us to reach net zero targets globally. Our exciting program, technical visits and virtual tours will cover changes both internationally as well as recent transformational developments in Australasia.

“With world-class resources and research capabilities, an innovative and dynamic industry, and an ambitious decarbonisation plan, Australia will be a very exciting playing field in the very near future.”

Professor Christophe Gaudin, Director of Marine Research Australia (MERA), the University of Western Australia, Alternate Delegate to the IEA-OES and ICOE 2024 Co-Chair states:

“This conference is a recognition of the leadership of Australian industry and of our research expertise, but also an opportunity to showcase the great initiatives in wave and tidal energy.”

Held every two years, the goal of the conference and exhibition is to share recent experiences from research and demonstration efforts, aiming to accelerate development by stimulating collaboration networks between companies and research and development centres. Attendees include ocean energy specialists from industry, government departments, national energy agencies, research or scientific bodies and academia at a global level.

Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson commented:

“Securing important events like ICOE 2024 is great for Melbourne, and underscores not only our city’s reputation as a leading business events destination, but showcases Australia and the wider region’s reputation as a global hub in industrial development of renewable marine energy.”

The event will be delivered in partnership with Arinex, an award-winning event management company with a robust track record spanning 50 years with expertise in delivering events in the renewables sector. The extensive and interactive 3-day program will include technical site visits and virtual tours to showcase Australia’s latest advances in the ocean energy sector.

For more information visit: https://icoe2024melbourne.com/

Early Bird Registrations and Abstract submissions open on Monday 6th November, 2023.