The European Commission has included ocean energy among the technologies eligible under the 5% innovation target set by the EU Renewable Energy Directive. According to Ocean Energy Europe (OEE), a network of ocean energy professionals, the guidance issued on July 2, 2025, calls on member states to ensure that 5% of newly installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 comes from innovative sources.

Ocean energy technologies, such as tidal, wave, thermal, and salinity-based systems, generate renewable electricity from the sea. According to OEE, Europe leads globally in both the development and installation of such systems. The sector could meet 10% of Europe’s current electricity demand by 2050, while supporting 400,000 jobs, 100 GW of firm renewable power, and global export potential.