OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems

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1.1 / ABOUT THE IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous agency established in 1974. The IEA carries out
a comprehensive programme of energy co-operation among 28 advanced economies, each of which is
obliged to hold oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of its net imports. The aims of the IEA are to:
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Secure member countries’ access to reliable and ample supplies of all forms of energy; in particular,
through maintaining effective emergency response capabilities in case of oil supply disruptions.
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Promote sustainable energy policies that spur economic growth and environmental protection in a global
context – particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
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Improve transparency of international markets through collection and analysis of energy data.
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Support global collaboration on energy technology to secure future energy supplies and mitigate their
environmental impact, including through improved energy efficiency and development and deployment of
low-carbon technologies.
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Find solutions to global energy challenges through engagement and dialogue with non-member
countries, industry, international organisations and other stakeholders.
To attain these goals, increased co-operation between industries, businesses and government energy
technology research is indispensable. The public and private sectors must work together, share burdens
and resources, while at the same time multiplying results and outcomes.
1.2 / ENERGY TECHNOLOGY NETWORK
The IEA provides a framework for countries around the world, businesses, industries, international
organisations and non-government organisations to work together in collaborative multilateral technology
initiatives, which enable participants to optimise resources, speed progress and share results. Covering
portfolios from basic research to deployment and information exchange on energy supply, transformation
and demand, its 42 initiatives (also known as Implementing Agreements) focus on:
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Cross-Cutting Activities (information exchange, modelling, technology transfer)
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End-Use (buildings, electricity, industry, transport)
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Fossil Fuels (greenhouse-gas mitigation, supply, transformation)
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Fusion Power (international experiments)
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Renewable Energies and Hydrogen (technologies and deployment)
These IEA energy technology initiatives – the Energy Technology Network - operates under the guidance
of the Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT), which has in turn established expert bodies
or “Working Parties’ to assist with this task. The Renewable Energy Working Party (REWP) is the principal
advisory body to the CERT on all matters relating to renewable energies. This particular network comprises
ten “Implementing Agreements” on individual technologies:
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Bioenergy
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Geothermal
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Hydrogen
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Hydropower
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Ocean Energy Systems
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Photovoltaic Power Systems
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Renewable Energy Technology Deployment
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Solar Heating and Cooling
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SolarPACES
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Wind Energy Systems
ANNUAL
REPORT
2012