On 26 February, ELBE ESCP organized a session on marine energy (waves and currents) in Temse, Belgium. This session focused on current themes such as cost reduction, standardisation processes or the identification of niche markets. The event also included a matchmaking and B2B session in which all participants had the chance to have individual meetings. 

This second workshop was organised within the framework of the ELBE project following the one that was held in Aberdeen for the floating wind-power sector, and has served as a reference to make known the latest breakthroughs of wave and current technologies; regarding technological and financial advances, as well as the market possibilities for these sectors. In total, more than 40 companies from ELBE ESCP regions participated in the workshop.

The session started with a visit to De Meyer family business, the manufacturer of large parts for the offshore sector, among others. De Meyer has developed a turbine for port areas with high current speeds.

The presentation session started with the welcome speech by Blauwe Cluster, followed by a series of presentations focusing on new sectoral trends. ORE Catapult presented a study on cost reduction potential, DEME Blue Energy explained their activities in the sector within the O&M area, while the Marine South East cluster listed different options for marine technologies with the purpose of offering multiple services. They also issued new methodologies that are currently under study to carry out certifications and the technical ,standards which should be considered.

Before starting the business pitches session, the economic development agency of Flanders introduced the OCEANERA-NET call, providing economic support for collaboration projects in marine energy sources. The business presentations began with Belgian companies such as Laminaria or Jan De Nul, followed by the foreign companies of the ELBE ESCP regions.

To complete the intense work session, the attending companies held a series of B2B meetings (43 in total).