Given that 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, with 97% coming from the seas and oceans, it seems reasonable to believe that marine energies are here to stay in this decarbonisation scenario. However, we often refer to offshore wind energy, which is the most prominent in the field, but we must take into account the energy of waves, tides and currents, which are the main unknowns. The Basque Country has hosted two of the world’s most prestigious events in this field, making it an undisputed leader in the sector. (Autor: Elda Campos Lavín)
Ocean, wave, tidal, and current energy are the three main types of energy, in addition to two others that are less developed at present, salt gradient (osmotic) and thermal gradient (tidal) energy.
Euskadi is a leader in ocean energy thanks to its unique infrastructure at BIMEP (Biscay Marine Energy Platform) for testing prototypes in the open sea. Over the last few months, two of the most significant scientific events have taken place here. The ICOE congress in Donostia in mid-October 2022 focused on the offshore industry, while the EWTEC congress in Bilbao in September 2023 focused on ocean energy research. More than 1,000 researchers and experts gathered at these renowned international forums to discuss the latest advances in the field, including improvements in computational fluid dynamic simulation of devices.
Finally, training is fundamental to progress. Therefore, it is important to mention the Erasmus Mundus Master in Renewable Energies in the Marine Environment REM+, which has been awarded by the Ocean Energy Conference (OEC) at the World Maritime Week, for its contributions to the ocean energy sector, and which is coordinated by the UPV/EHU and in which three other European universities participate. In addition, it collaborates with more than 50 companies representing a comprehensive cutting-edge training, satisfying the growing demand for specific training.
+info: eus/es/-/energia-oceanica-1