OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems

105
04 / COUNTRY REPORTS
Cooperation between government, industry and other stakeholders is described as collaborative with
several examples of effective cooperation
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A working group was established in 2011 to coordinate efforts on developing marine renewable energy
technologies. Quarterly meetings are led by the General Directorate for Energy and Climate Change
(DGEC) within the Ministry of Ecology and Energy, as part of the filière verte – green industry-initiative.
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Publication of a study on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of ocean energy. 3 The lead on
the study was undertaken by DGEC, and involved industry, environmental associations and representatives
of other stakeholders
Education and employment aspects are also being reinforced
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Research centres and universities, particularly on the Atlantic coast provide important contributions to
developing French expertise. A new generation of marine energy experts are being educated through
initiatives such as the specialised Master’s programme at ENSTA, a public research and engineering school
in Brittany. The programme is being taught in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
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Several initiatives are being piloted by regional agencies, with support of universities and local
stakeholders, to address the specific needs of the future job market
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ADEME is also working closely with employment agencies (Maisons de l’emploi) to create initiatives for
skills development and employment in various green energy sectors (gestion prévisionnelle des emplois et
des competences). ADEME expects to launch such a project in the field of marine energy in 2013.
Outlook
Despite the need for further technological progress, marine renewables are regarded as an important future
source of energy generation in France. In addition to developing its tidal stream and wave resources, France
is also focused on developing a competitive advantage in ocean thermal technologies and its overseas
territories provide ideal temperature conditions for testing such devices. Small-scale tests are currently being
conducted and a pre-commercial scale pilot is being developed in Martinique. ADEME expects that the
remainder of the decade up to 2020 will be focused on demonstration projects, pilot farms and the first
commercial arrays. Post-2020, ADEME has estimated that marine renewables could account for 0.8% (0.3
Mtoe) of electricity generation in France by 2030.
Creation of France Energies Marines
A significant indicator of the Government’s commitment to developing France’s marine renewables industry
is the establishment in March 2012 of France Energies Marines (FEM). FEM is described as the Institute of
Excellence in Carbon-free Energy dedicated to marine renewable energy research, development and innovation.
The organisation has an operating budget of €133.3 million over 10 years, derived from both government
funds and stakeholder contributions including contributions from private sector entities, research institutes,
universities and regional councils. FEM will take a key role in coordinating and conducting R&D on marine
renewables.
FEM’s objectives
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support competitiveness of the marine renewable energies (MRE) industry : fixed and floating offshore
wind, wave and tidal energy and ocean thermal energy conversion
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promote the sustainable nature of MRE technologies and their social acceptability, overseeing France’s
significant natural potential through its coastal diversity and extent in both metropolitan and overseas territories
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consolidate the level of excellence in MRE research through the synergy of a public-private, through a
multidisciplinary structure based on renowned academic and scientific sectors (oceanography, naval engineering,
etc.) with lead positions held by industrial firms for key skills (offshore engineering, energy production, etc.).
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ensure the qualification of technologies supported by the industry, sharing means and facilities for
simulation, experimentation and especially test sites expected to be operational as of 2013.
Source: http://en.france-energies-marines.org/
2
Ministére de L’Écologie, du Développement durable et de L’Énergie (Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy),
‘Delphine Batho encourages the development of marine energy’ 13 December 2012, http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/
Delphine-Batho-encourage-le.html
3
See: www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/120615_etude_version_finale.pdf