The International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA-OES) has published a new report, “In-Depth Analysis and Policy Guidance Report for the Development of Technology Push and Market Pull Support Mechanisms for the Ocean Energy Sector.
This report provides guidance for designing public support mechanisms that can move ocean energy from innovation to early commercial deployment. It is based on the analysis of 19 programmes across eight countries/regions, covering both technology push instruments and market pull instruments.
The report highlights that an effective programme typically combines early-stage R&D support (technology push), bridging mechanisms for pilot deployments, and long-term revenue certainty instruments (market pull) that enable bankable projects.
“Designing effective ocean energy policy requires understanding not only what worked, but also what failed. By analysing nineteen programmes across multiple jurisdictions, we were able to distil clear ‘consider’ and ‘avoid’ guidance that can help governments deploy public funding more effectively” said the UK Delegate Henry Jeffrey who coordinated the study.
“The lesson from global experience is clear: progress accelerates when innovation programmes, infrastructure, and market and regulatory frameworks are designed as one connected pathway. Knowing that in quite a number of countries discussions are ongoing on how to support innovative and emerging technologies, this report is very timely and can be a source of inspiration for government, regulatory bodies and public funding organisations.” said Matthijs Soede, Chair of IEA-OES.
The report finds that technology push mechanisms are most effective when they are continuous, strategically aligned, and designed around the specific needs of ocean energy technologies. Market pull instruments are most effective when they are realistic, proportionate to sector maturity, and embedded within a coherent long-term strategy that connects innovation support with bankable routes to market.
The report provides guidance and is intended for policymakers, regulators and public funding bodies responsible for innovation and market frameworks for ocean energy technologies.
