What is the role of wave energy in the future energy mix of the EU and how do we get there?

Wave energy holds significant potential as part of the future renewable energy mix in Europe. We in Vestland have excellent conditions for wave power. To meet the EU’s goal of climate neutrality, it has identified ocean energy as a strategic component of its long-term offshore renewable energy ambitions and aims for 1GW capacity by 2030. We in Vestland can contribute to reaching this goal.

With this event, we want to bring together actors working with wave power from different perspectives, such as industry and start-ups, research environments, public authorities, and other actors with a role to play in developing the field.  

The event is hosted by Vestland County Council aboard the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The event combines short presentations with networking and informal discussions. The aim is to explore where energy is heading, what is already happening in Vestland and Europe, and what is needed to move from pilot initiatives to concrete projects. 

A key ambition of the event is to initiate dialogue around building a consortium for upcoming EU funding opportunities, including future calls expected in 2027, and to identify shared interests and next steps for collaboration in Vestland. 

This event is open to anyone with an interest in wave energy and marine renewables, whether from industry, research, public administration, or the wider innovation ecosystem. We follow afterwards with an invitation-only lunch to continue the conversation. 

Program

10:00 – 10:10 Registration and Coffee
10:10 – 10:17 Welcome address by Stian Davies, Deputy Mayor of Vestland
10:17 – 10:22 The European perspective on wave energy, Kristoffer Hammer
10:22 – 10:32 Opportunities for Vestland in European wave energy, Dr. Karl Strømsem
10:32 – 11:02 Industry and research pitches
10:32 – 10:39 Ingvill Bækø from Havkraft
10:39 – 10:46 Ingvald Straume from Hydrakraft
10:46 – 10:53 Jørgen Hals Todalshaug from CorPower Ocean
10:53 – 11:00 Miguel dos Santos Sousa Rodrigues from SINTEF
11:02 – 11:09 Making wave energy work: Lessons from real sea testing Lily Wain (EMEC)
11:09 – 11:16 Developments in Portugal, Ana Paula Lima (INSEC TEC)
11:16 – 11:30 Research Institutions:

• David Lande-Sudall, Assistant Professor, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
• Svein Olav Halstensen, Senior Researcher at NORCE
• Henrik Kalisch, Professor at the University of Bergen
• Konstantinos Christakos from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute

11:30 – 11:45 Questions and open discussion
11:45 Closing

This event requires registration, please see above.