Introduction

In 2006, the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland prepared the National Strategy for Ocean Energy. This phased strategy aims
(a) to introduce ocean energy into the renewables portfolio in Ireland and
(b) to develop an ocean energy sector.

It aims to support national developers of wave energy devices through concept validation, model design optimisation and scale model testing and deployment.

• In Phase 1 (2005-2007) An Offshore test site for ¼ scale prototypes was developed in Galway Bay, research capability was enhanced and some funding was provided, from a variety of sources, to researchers and developers.
• Phase 2 (2008-2010) continues activities of Phase 1 and provides enhanced support for the demonstration of Pre-Commercial Single Devices, This phase provides a mechanism to bring successful designs from the prototype stage to the construction of a fully operational pre-commercial wave energy converter which will supply power directly to the electricity network. The results of this phase will be used to assess the commercial viability of the technology and the resulting industrial opportunities available to Ireland. A grid-connected test site will be developed during the period 2008-2010.
• Phase 3(2011-2015) will involve pre-commercial small array testing and evaluation over a sustained period.
• Phase 4 (2016 -       ) will involve development of strategies for commercial deployment of wave power technologies.

The strategic context of the programme have now changed with targets for the use of Ocean Energy in Ireland, as announced by the Government in the White Paper and the Programme for Government, increased to 75 Mw by 2012 and 500Mw by 2020.

In announcing the Government’s support for the Ocean Energy Strategy, the Minister provided a specific3-year budgetary provision of €26m to fund:

• the establishment and operation of the Ocean Energy Development Unit in SEAI
• the establishment of wave and tidal test facilities
• the enhancement of the national wave tank facility
• a power-purchase scheme for electricity produced from OE
• a support fund to support research and prototype development by industry.

Useful links:
Prototype Development Fund
http://www.iea-oceans.org
http://hmrc.ucc.ie/index.html
http://www.marine.ie/home/OceanEnergy.htm