The U.S. Energy Department selected 12 projects for early stage research and development to accelerate innovation in marine technology and help the industry become cost-competitive, according to a Jan. 8 press release.. The projects are intended to cut capital costs and accelerate innovation in marine energy technology by reducing the testing and development timelines.

• The research will help develop next generation technology to develop water power, supporting industry advancement in wave, tidal, ocean, and river current technologies.
• The investments are expected to drive U.S. leadership in marine energy and further the agency’s potential to provide reliable power at grid scale, expand the nation’s energy resilience, support economic development, and bolster coastal and port infrastructure.
• The projects will cover topic areas that address “fundamental scientific and engineering challenges of generating power from dynamic, low-velocity and high-density waves and currents” and provide the information needed to lower costs and permitting time.