Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Blue energy. Action needed to deliver on the potential of ocean energy in European seas and oceans by 2020 and beyond

Author (Corporate)
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Series Details (2014) 8 final (20.01.14)
Publication Date 20/01/2014
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Our seas and oceans have the potential to become important sources of clean energy. Marine renewable energy, which includes both offshore wind and ocean energy, presents the EU with an opportunity to generate economic growth and jobs, enhance the security of its energy supply and boost competitiveness through technological innovation. Following the 2008 Communication on offshore wind energy, this Communication considers the potential of the ocean energy sector to contribute to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy as well EU's long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. It also looks over the horizon at this promising new technology and outlines an action plan to help unlock its potential.

Harnessing the economic potential of our seas and oceans in a sustainable manner is a key element in the EU's maritime policy. The ocean energy sector was recently highlighted in the Commission's Blue Growth Strategy as one of five developing areas in the ‘blue economy’ that could help drive job creation in coastal areas. Other Commission initiatives, such as the Communication on Energy Technologies and Innovation and the Atlantic Action Plan, have recognised the importance of ocean energy and aim to encourage collaborative research and development and cross-border cooperation to boost its development.

Research and consultation work conducted as a part of the impact assessment accompanying this Communication shows that additional support for this emerging sector could enable the EU to reap significant economic and environmental benefits.

Source Link Link to Main Source http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2014:008:FIN
Related Links
EUR-Lex: COM(2014)8: Follow the progress of this communication through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2014:008:FIN
EUR-Lex: SWD(2014)12: Executive summary of the impact assessment http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2014:012:FIN
EUR-Lex: SWD(2014)13: Impact assessment http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2014:013:FIN

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