Use of Ocean Energy in Germany Is Low Says Ecofys’ Study

Ecofys conduced a study about potential for ocean energy in Germany in 2010 which provided the basis for a re-assessment of the potential use of ocean energy in Germany and supported the German Government in the development of a future support strategy for ocean energy.

The study assessed the ocean energy potential in the German North and Baltic Seas. Further a state-of-the-art overview was compiled of ocean currents, wave energy, tidal, osmotic and temperature gradient technologies and projects worldwide, to analyse their technical potential in the German Seas.

The study also includes a stakeholder consultation with German companies and experts interested in ocean energies assessing the potential export markets and opportunities for ocean energy technologies and knowledge. In addition, a detailed analysis was provided of the German legal framework for licensing, with a special focus on possible barriers to ocean energy use. Ecofys’ study for the German Ministry for the Environment showed that the theoretical potential for the use of ocean energy in Germany is low in comparison to other locations worldwide and to German objectives for the expansion of renewable energy in the country’s power generation system. Merely the potential associated with tidal ranges and ocean wave and ocean current power appears to facilitate smaller-scale applications for technology testing purposes at individual locations.

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Subsea World News Staff , July 30, 2012; Image: Ecofys