On 26 January 2026, the United Nation marks the first International Day of Clean Energy, highlighting the role of renewable energy—on land and at sea—in tacking climate change and building a sustainable future. Ocean energy is increasingly recognised as an important part of Europe’s clean energy future. Within the European Energy Union, it is identified as a research and innovation priority to support the European Union (EU)’s 2050 climate and energy goals [1]. The European Green Deal further reinforced this vision by naming ocean energy among the essential technologies needed to support the transition to climate neutrality [1]. A recently published EU Ocean Energy report provides an updated assessment of how these technologies are progressing, with a particular focus on tidal and wave energy developments supported by EU-funded research up to the end of 2024. The report reviews the status of technologies, current deployments, value chains, and Europe’s competitiveness, while also highlighting remaining risks and bottlenecks.
The EU has the largest sea space in the world, which is expected to play an increasing role in the generation of clean, renewable energy [2]. Renewable ocean energy refers to electricity generated from the movement and natural properties of the ocean, including waves, tides and offshore wind, as well as temperature and salinity differences and even marine biomass such as algae (biofuels) [2]. In Europe, wave and tidal energy have emerged as prominent areas of progress within EU-funded ocean energy research [1], reflecting their potential to deliver predictable and locally produced renewable power. Offshore wind, which is more mature and central to delivering the European Green Deal and strengthening Europe’s energy security and competitiveness [3], shares elements of infrastructure, supply chains and offshore engineering expertise with emerging marine energy technologies, creating potential synergies across the wider ocean energy sector.
Across Europe, a growing number of ocean energy test sites and pilot projects are located along Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic, and Mediterranean coasts. These sites are where new technologies are being tested in real marine conditions, helping to turn the ocean’s vast kinetic energy into electricity for homes, transport, and industry. Take a look at the map of this week, where European ocean energy projects illustrate both the geographical spread of activity and the diversity of technologies under development. Exploring where these projects are located, the types of resources, and their key project information is a great way to understand how the ocean could help power a climate-neutral Europe.
Looking ahead, ocean energy could make a meaningful contribution to the EU’s decarbonisation efforts. The EU’s offshore renewable energy strategy sets targets of 1 GW of installed ocean energy capacity by 2030 and 40 GW by 2050 [1]. While planned commercial projects are increasing, deployment remains limited, and further cost reductions will be essential. Continued research, innovation, and policy support will be key to unlocking the full potential of ocean energy as part of Europe’s renewable energy mix.
Want to learn more?
Read the EU Ocean Energy Status Report published by the Joint Research Centre, with detailed updated assessment of ocean energy technologies, deployments, value chains, and market position;
Learn about the European Technology & Innovation Platform for Ocean Energy (ETIP Ocean) 2030 Vision, a forward-looking overview of ocean energy’s industrial and socio-economic potential in Europe;
Explore the EU Blue Economy Report – Marine Renewable Energy Section, which includes data on ocean energy capacity, installations, and trends;
Stay informed about the latest industrial and research developments in European ocean energy through the Ocean Energy Europe website.
The data in the map is provided by EMODnet.
[1] https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144366
[2] https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/ocean/blue-economy/marine-renewable-energy_en
[3] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/offshore-renewable-energy_en