Commercial utilisation of ocean energy technologies requires detailed knowledge of available and economically usable resources, development of reliable and competitive technologies, and the implementation of market launch strategies and instruments.
For the characterisation of wave and tidal current resources, new measurement technologies need to be developed to allow estimation of energy yields and to support development of optimised numerical simulation models. Fraunhofer IEE supports the development of advanced ocean energy conversion technologies at all stages from concept studies through tank test models and field test with scaled devices to full scale prototype testing and demonstration projects in the megawatt range. Extensive knowledge from long term research activities in the field of onshore hydropower and wind energy and from two decades of ocean energy research will feed into specific solutions for an optimised utilisation of new technologies.