Ocean Energy Forum Support (OEFS), a Horizon Europe project dedicated to strengthening and professionalizing the network of stakeholders engaged in ocean energy in Europe, was officially launched. The project brings together a consortium with expertise in renewable energy, digital tools, and policy makers’ engagement, supporting the activities of the Ocean Energy Forum.
OEFS Objectives
The consortium aspires to elevate the Ocean Energy Forum from an ad-hoc technical network to a structured, data-driven, and impact-oriented partnership that provides trusted intelligence, coordinates priorities, and amplifies the sector’s visibility across Europe. The project will:
- Establish a transparent, inclusive, and efficient governance model for the Ocean Energy Forum;
- Produce authoritative, comparable, timely evidence packages supporting EU and national policy cycles;
- Widen and deepen participation across geographies and the value chain;
- Improve the ocean energy solutions’ visibility, acceptance, and bankability;
- Embed just transition, environmental safeguards, and skills planning in sector strategy; and
- Ensure the forum’s continuation and sustainability, and contribute to the European Research Area.
Kick-Off Meeting Overview & Outcomes
Hosted by the coordinating partner, the Canary Islands Renewable Energy Association (ACER), the kick-off meeting marked an important milestone, bringing the consortium together to define a shared strategic vision. Representatives from all partner organizations were engaged in discussions, setting the groundwork for the project’s implementation.
During the kick-off meeting, the consortium outlined the project’s main objectives and expected outcomes, with a strong focus on advancing ocean energy and strengthening the sector’s development across Europe. Partners presented a strategic framework for the application of relevant tools and methodologies to support the project’s activities and enhance stakeholder engagement across multiple countries. Discussions also explored collaborative actions aimed at maximizing the project’s impact, including the creation of synergies with other Horizon Europe initiatives. In addition, the consortium addressed the relevant EU policy landscape and identified key areas where the project can contribute to ongoing policy discussions and the future of ocean energy.
Next Steps
The OEFS consortium will focus on strengthening stakeholder engagement and fostering dialogue across the ocean energy sector, bringing together policymakers, public authorities, industry representatives, energy system operators, energy and innovation agencies/competence centers, SMEs, associations and groups of interest, research organizations, and academics through targeted events and collaborative activities. The first outcomes of these engagement efforts are expected to be shared in the coming period, contributing to a stronger understanding of sector needs and supporting the development of a more coordinated and impactful ocean energy ecosystem across Europe
