WECANet COST Action CA17105
A pan-European Network for Marine Renewable Energy with a Focus on Wave Energy
The pressure of climate change and the growing energy demand has increased interest in marine renewable energy resources, such as wave energy which can be harvested through Wave Energy Converter (WECs) Arrays.
However, the wave energy industry is currently at a significant juncture in its development, facing a number of challenges which require that research re-focusses onto a techno-economic perspective, where the economics considers the full life-cycle costs of the technology. It also requires development of WECs suitable for niche markets, because in Europe there are inequalities regarding wave energy resources, wave energy companies, national programmes and investments. As a result, in Europe there are leading and non-leading countries in wave energy technology. The sector also needs to increase confidence of potential investors by reducing (non-)technological risks. This can be achieved through an interdisciplinary approach by involving engineers, economists, environmental scientists, legislation and policy experts etc. Consequently, the wave energy sector needs to receive the necessary attention compared to other more advanced and commercial ocean energy technologies (e.g. tidal and offshore wind).
The formation of the first pan-European Network on an interdisciplinary marine wave energy approach will contribute to large-scale WEC Array deployment by dealing with the current bottlenecks. The WECANet Action aims at a collaborative approach, as it provides a strong networking platform that also creates the space for dialogue between all stakeholders in wave energy. WECANet’s main target is the equal research, training, networking, collaboration and funding opportunities for all researchers and professionals, regardless of age, gender and country in order to obtain understanding in the main challenges governing the development of the wave energy sector. Currently, 31 partner countries are active in the network.
6th Call for Short Term ScientifIC mISSIONS (STSMs) applications
The 6th WECANet STSM applications call is for Missions occurring between 01/06/2021 and 15/09/2021 is open. Deadline for applications to be submitted: 15/05/2021.
Application Deadline
15/05/2021
Recommendations by the COST Association related to event/activities organisation and reimbursement - COVID-19 measures
Online
GENERAL assembly
The 3rd WECANet Annual Assembly from 26-27 November 2020 took place online. Prof. Lorenzo Cappietti of the University of Florence, prof. Eva Loukogeorgaki from the University of Thessaloniki, and Dr. Vicky Stratigaki from Ghent University were the “online local” organizers. The Book of Abstracts is now online!
NEW ENCORe Project
Through its Interreg 2 Seas Programme, Europe has awarded €5.9 million to the ENCORE project: Energising Coastal Regions with Offshore Renewable Energy.
WECANET ASSEMBLY in PORTO
The 2nd WECANet Annual Assembly took place at the University of Porto from 28-29 November 2019. The local organizer was Prof. Francisco Taveira Pinto and Dr. Matt Folley chaired the Assembly.
