Today (30 September 2019) Ireland welcomed global leaders in ocean energy to the Convention Centre Dublin for the annual Ocean Energy Europe Conference and Exhibition (OEE 2019).
The two-day conference, sponsored by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), brings together the largest gathering of ocean energy professionals in the world to discuss the future development of the sector.
Speaking ahead of his keynote address at the conference, Minister for Communications Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD said;
‘Over the next decade, Ireland’s energy sector will be transformed. By 2030, 70% of our electricity will be generated from renewable sources. Our ocean resources are crucial to delivering on this target- 3.5GW will come from offshore wind. We are committed to developing an indigenous ocean energy industry both by investment and by providing the necessary regulatory and legislative framework. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from our European counterparts on how to deliver the step up that is required’.
Europe leads the sector with more ocean energy technologies developed and patented than anywhere else. Experts forecast that by 2050 ocean energy will meet the daily electricity needs of 76 million European households. Ireland is in a prime position with world-class expertise in research and engineering, as well as attractive funding and enterprise support opportunities.
Commenting on these supports Declan Meally, Head of Emerging Sectors with SEAI said;
‘Ireland has one of the largest ocean energy resources in the world. SEAI has played a central role in progressing the ocean energy sector. To date, SEAI has awarded just over €20 million to 125 projects ocean energy related projects, as well as providing supports through EU co-funded projects. We are delighted to welcome the Ocean Energy Europe Conference to Ireland and we believe it is a great opportunity for us to collaborate with our European partners.’
To find out more about the Ocean Energy Europe Conference and Exhibition 2019 visit: https://www.oceanenergy-europe.eu/annual-event/oee2019/