Ocean energy is one the technologies that has been long under way. And is still under way. The has traditionally been quite research heavy, but over the last years a certain level of private industry involvement has occurred. The area is facing the big paradox that energy from the different ocean energy technologies could provide substantial and sustainable energy to the continent, but the research, development and innovation costs are very high to get there because of a harsh environment.

I have myself supported the Danish ocean energy sector over a period of 4 years back in the beginning of the 10’s. It was my job to facilitate EU funding for them and lobby towards the EU Commission on the work programmes. That work put me in close contact with Ocean Europe which is the European umbrella organisation for the whole sector both R&D and industry.

They have taken a big journey from 1½ person secretariat and very few perspectives for support from EU to an eight -person organisation with their own Strategic Research Agenda and strong ties and commitment from EU Commission.

I invited my good old contact CEO Rémi Gruet into the virtual podcast studio for a talk about the ocean energy sector, how the Ocean Europe has moved to a strong professional lobby and support organisation and how they work for their members. This episode gives insights into how to work as a stakeholder organisation in Brussels, how to get most out of your influencing resources and slowly growing your organisation.

Time codes:

00:02:30 Introduction

00:09:43 Fly in on the sector

00:20:39 Fly in to Ocean Energy Europe

00:33:03 Ocean Energy Europe and its role in funding landscape

01:00:11 Membership involvement

01:13:30 The toughest challenge