Marine Renewable Energy knowledge exchange programme
Transition to a low carbon economy
"Renewable energy is key to our low-carbon energy future. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as diversify our energy sources. As part of this move to a low-carbon economy, we need a dramatic change in renewable energy use in electricity, heat and transport."
(UK Government, Renewable Energy Strategy)
By 2020, the UK is legally required to generate 15% of its total energy production from renewable sources. Approximately 20% of this renewable energy target is expected to be delivered from the marine environment, including offshore wind, wave and tidal power.
However, the environmental consequences of deploying such a significant number of devices in the marine environment are not yet fully understood. Therefore, to address this and other challenges, NERC has set up the Marine Renewable Energy knowledge exchange programme.
What will the programme do?
The UK's commitment to marine renewable energy brings with it significant environmental challenges.
The marine renewable energy sector needs to better understand the potential impact of wave and tidal devices on the ecology and hydrodynamics of the marine environment and the long-term impact of wind farms, particularly in deep-water settings.
To meet the challenges presented by these potential impacts, the programme is working to catalyse the development of stronger partnerships between the academic, public and private sectors. It:
- Provides the private and public sectors with access to potential suppliers of the most up-to-date academic research in this field.
- Facilitates public, private and academic sectors in integrating policy, business and research needs.
- Supports the private and public sectors in delivering a sustainable future for marine renewable energy.
How to get involved
The latest information about the programme, including news and events, is available on the interactive knowledge exchange portal 
.
The portal:
- Contains a wealth of information on research, technologies and policy for the sector, and provides access to relevant data and literature.
- Is a useful hub for connecting with others in the sector.
- Provides up to date information on relevant funding opportunities and much more.
- Is free to access
Programme management
The Marine Renewable Energy knowledge exchange programme is being hosted by the National Oceanography Centre (Liverpool) on behalf of all those with an interest in the marine renewable energy sector.
Related links
External links