OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems

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Support Initiatives and Market Stimulation Incentives
In 2009, the government announced a Refit tariff of €220 MW, for wave and tidal energy. This has not yet
been activated and the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) has proposed a more precisely
structured mechanism to support the sector in its growth phase.
Main Public Funding Mechanisms
The principal funding mechanism for the OE sector is the Prototype Development fund, administered by the
Ocean Energy Development Unit. This supports industry-led projects for the following types of activities:
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Projects to develop and test wave and tidal energy capture devices and systems;
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Independent monitoring of projects/technologies;
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R&D aimed at the integration of ocean energy into the electricity market and the national electricity grid
(and network)
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Data monitoring, forecasting, communications and control of OE systems
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Specific industry-led research projects which will be carried out by research centres.
Other significant funding for university/industry research projects and for the commercialisation of successful
early-stage companies is provided by Enterprise Ireland, the indigenous industry support agency.
Relevant Legislation and Regulation
Offshore marine renewable energy projects currently fall within the jurisdiction of the Foreshore Acts 1933
to 2009. The Foreshore Acts apply to the seabed and shore below the line of high water of ordinary or
medium tides and outwards to the 12 nautical miles limit of the territorial seas (22.22 kilometres). Jurisdiction
beyond this limit is determined by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Since 2010, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) has been
working on the streamlining and modernising of the consent process for foreshore developments, with
particular emphasis on renewable energy projects. It is intended that the reforms will deliver a plan-led
policy framework for the approval of activities and developments in the marine environment, a single
consent process for project approval as well as greater certainty of timeframes. Mandatory pre-application
consultations, transparent assessment of environmental impacts and full public participation are also
planned. A new legislative Bill is now expected in 2013 or early 2014.
DECLG is also working with other relevant Departments and agencies on the development of a marine
spatial planning framework, providing for the strategic development of the foreshore while managing
competing, and often conflicting, sectoral demands. In 2012 extensive new Special Areas of Conservation
were announced which will have implications for the development of marine renewable energy projects.
Relevant documents released
A full list of publications relevant to the OE sector is available at http://www.seai.ie/Renewables/Ocean_
Energy/Ocean_Energy_Information_Research/Ocean_Energy_Publications/
In 2012 a new document was released:
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A Study of the Supply Chain Requirements and Irish Company Capability in the Offshore Wind, Wave and
Tidal Energy Sector
A study was also commissioned on the options for offshore grid on the west coast of Ireland. This will be
completed in 2013.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Government Funded R&D
The OEDU is continuing work on the establishment of a full scale grid connected wave energy test
facility off County Mayo. It will be connected to the national electricity grid and will provide facilities for
the testing of full scale devices in development by Irish and multi-national companies and will be able to
accommodate up to 3 devices at any one time. A grid offer is in place, a formal lease application has been
made and is currently awaited. It is planned to commence construction of the sub-station in 2013.
ANNUAL
REPORT 2012