Scaling up in the ocean energy sector to arrays

Applying projects will have to clearly describe the selected technology. The chosen project technology will have to bring evidence at the date of application of previous technology demonstration in real conditions connected to the grid to enhance the likely success of the project and provide a clear cost reduction roadmap that deploying in the pilot project will achieve. Installing more than one technology in the same array is permitted, but this should clearly have added value to this action. The installation has to be grid-connected.

The project has to include a clear go/no go moment ahead of entering the deployment phase. Before this go/no go moment, the project has to deliver the detailed engineering plans, a complete business and implementation plan and all needed permits for the deployment of the array. A committee of independent experts will assess all deliverables and will give advice for the go/no decision.

TRL 7 should be achieved at the end of the project activities (please see part G of the General Annexes).

Opening the project's test sites, pilot and demonstration facilities, or research infrastructures for practice oriented education, training or knowledge exchange is encouraged.

Ocean energy projects are part of complex marine ecosystems, with links to broader environmental, socioeconomic and livelihood issues that are of particular relevance to local communities. Actions to engage and involve local communities, to further improve social acceptance are encouraged.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 10 and 15 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Scaling up in the ocean energy sector to arrays is a fundamental challenge to be addressed in order to show a reduction of the cost of energy while mastering the risks at project level. There is significant learning to be captured through the demonstration of arrays.

The action will deliver a cost-effective array and hence will demonstrate pathways to reduce the cost of energy. It is expected that as a result of this action, ocean energy would become more commercially attractive for investors. The action should contribute to the strengthening the European industrial technology base in the ocean energy field, thereby creating growth and jobs in Europe.