Leading tidal developers form new Tidal Alliance for OEE2020
26.05.2020
Three leading tidal developers have joined forces as a Tidal Alliance at OEE2020, to show the world that tidal is ready for the main stage: Orbital Marine Power, SABELLA and Sustainable Marine Energy. Europe leads the way in tidal energy globally, with European developers transforming the technology into a mainstream power source.
Ocean Energy Europe CEO Rémi Gruet highlights the significance of these three companies coming together to support the sector and its annual event. He said: “Tidal continues to make enormous strides both in innovation and in its exponential power production, generating 50% more in 2019 than the year before. Investing in ocean energy today will pay dividends in the future, helping build a carbon-neutral energy system and creating jobs and opportunities in a new, robust, home-grown industry.”
The OEE Conference and Exhibition is coming to Brussels in December to carry a clear message: Tidal turbines have been producing power for several years now, and the sector is ready for the next stage.
Andrew Scott, CEO of Orbital Marine Power, agrees: “We are delighted to be combining efforts with industry colleagues to bring the OEE annual conference to Brussels. The ever-increasing momentum and success our industry is generating is in very large part due to the alignment with the European Commission, so it is brilliant to be able to reinforce those bonds in the heart of the EU whilst showcasing the leaps forward we’re making as a sector.”
SABELLA’s Commercial Director, Jean-Christophe Allo, singled out the continued importance of funding, and stressed the work is not yet finished: “Continuous work from OEE helps us to identify and secure the support of EU and national funds to progress in innovation, reliability and cost reduction of our turbines.”
Jean-Christophe also spoke about cooperation, particularly within the sector itself: “We will all succeed together, promoting blue energy and improving our devices. The future of tidal energy will only be realised through increased collaboration between major players. We deeply believe in this statement. That’s why we are thrilled to participate in the Tidal Alliance and strengthen teamwork.”
Sustainable Marine Energy’s Managing Director Jason Hayman said: “We are very excited to be part of the Tidal Alliance and support Ocean Energy Europe’s annual conference. We, and the other members of the Tidal Alliance have demonstrated that the technology can deliver. Sustainable Marine Energy is delivering the first commercial array in Canada, using technology developed and supplied by a number of European companies.”
The Tidal Alliance is the result of industry players believing in the potential of the sector to be both a climate-friendly solution and an economic opportunity. Hayman highlights how crucial this is, particularly in this period of economic recovery: “We are looking forward to meeting with policy makers, regulators and industry partners, and showcasing the role that tidal energy can play in a more resilient clean energy future, as well as the contribution it can make to rebuilding our economies as we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”