How can you overcome barriers to marine renewable energy development?

1 Technical challenges

One of the main technical challenges for MRE is the harsh and variable marine environment, which poses risks and uncertainties for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of MRE devices and systems. To address this challenge, you need to adopt robust and reliable engineering solutions that can withstand the marine conditions, such as advanced materials, sensors, control systems, and monitoring technologies. You also need to improve the integration and interoperability of MRE devices and systems with the existing grid infrastructure, as well as the storage and transmission of the generated power.

3 Social acceptance

A third challenge for MRE is the social acceptance of its development and deployment, which depends on the perceptions, attitudes, and preferences of the public and other stakeholders. To address this challenge, you need to communicate the benefits and risks of MRE in a clear and balanced way, as well as to address the concerns and expectations of the stakeholders. You also need to involve the stakeholders in the decision-making and planning processes, as well as to provide opportunities for feedback and participation. You also need to respect the cultural and historical values and interests of the stakeholders, especially the indigenous and coastal communities.

4 Economic viability

A fourth challenge for MRE is the economic viability of its development and deployment, which depends on the costs, revenues, and incentives of MRE projects. To address this challenge, you need to reduce the capital and operational costs of MRE devices and systems, as well as to increase their efficiency and performance. You also need to secure the funding and financing sources for MRE projects, as well as to access the markets and customers for the generated power. You also need to benefit from the policy and regulatory support and incentives for MRE, such as subsidies, tariffs, quotas, and tax credits.

6 Innovation and collaboration

A sixth and final challenge for MRE is the innovation and collaboration that are essential for its development and deployment, which require the mobilization and integration of the knowledge, skills, and resources of various actors and disciplines. To address this challenge, you need to foster and support the research and development of MRE technologies and solutions, as well as to facilitate the transfer and diffusion of the best practices and lessons learned. You also need to establish and strengthen the networks and partnerships among the MRE stakeholders, such as the industry, academia, government, and civil society, as well as to promote the dialogue and cooperation among the MRE regions and countries.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?