EuropeWave is an innovative R&D programme for wave energy technology. It will combine almost €20 million of national, regional and EU funding to drive a competitive Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) programme for wave energy.
The EuropeWave PCP action will use public procurement to deliver an EU-wide innovation programme that will accelerate the development of credible wave energy technology and build confidence in the sector and its ability to deliver the potential economic rewards. Public authorities and suppliers will share benefits and costs in a competitive environment that will foster collaboration and stimulate innovative solutions.
The programme will focus on the design, development, and demonstration of cost-effective wave energy converter (WEC) systems for electrical power production that can survive in the harsh and unpredictable ocean environment.
In order to achieve these aims, the EuropeWave programme will bring together three key elements:
- Pre-commercial procurement funding model
- Structured Innovation (a phase-gated development process)
- Internationally agreed performance standards & metrics
These elements will link together to form a development framework that will ensure that the best technology is developed in the shortest time frame in an environment of engineering rigour that will bring the wave energy sector closer to commercialisation through increasing investor confidence in the credibility of wave energy technology.