On 27 January 2026, the Irish National Hub and the Pillar III Coordination Team hosted the webinar “Bridging the Gap: Addressing Barriers to Large‑Scale MRE Innovation Development Across Regions,” bringing together 38 participants from across the Atlantic Area to discuss the pressing challenges that hinder the deployment of large‑scale Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) technologies.
The session provided an open platform for dialogue among leading experts, industry representatives, and policymakers.
Despite the increasing number of large‑scale MRE projects securing funding in the Atlantic region, many continue to face significant deployment challenges. Discussions revealed several recurring issues that must be addressed to accelerate progress:
1. Collaboration as a Cornerstone for Progress
Speakers echoed a clear message: cooperation across the Atlantic Member States is essential to meet the EU’s 2050 renewable energy objectives. Stronger connections between academia, industry, regulators, and EU institutions are needed to streamline processes and align priorities.
2. The Vital Role of Data and Infrastructure
Participants agreed that data gaps remain one of the most persistent barriers. While technology is advancing, collecting the necessary environmental, socio‑economic, and infrastructure‑readiness data requires more robust observation systems at sea. Enhanced data sharing between mature and early‑stage projects was identified as a practical, high‑impact solution.
3. Complex Barriers Hindering Deployment
In addition to data limitations, discussions highlighted several systemic hurdles:
Environmental assessment requirements
Socio‑economic and community sensitivities
Consenting and permitting constraints
Market design and commercial risk structures
These issues collectively slow down the transition from innovative concepts to fully deployed MRE installations.
Next Steps
The event set the stage for continued action under Pillar III:
A feedback survey will be issued to participants to shape a potential follow‑up workshop on proposed solutions.
Findings from this webinar - and any subsequent sessions before the end of the 2024–2026 mandate - will be compiled into a formal letter to DG MARE and DG ENER, summarising key barriers and proposing concrete recommendations for accelerating MRE deployment in the Atlantic Area.
Key Speakers
The event convened a strong panel of regional and European experts, including:
Kerrie Sheehan – Head of SEAI Research, Innovation & Electricity Department and Pillar III Coordinator
Jimmy Murphy – University College Cork, Lir National Ocean Test Facility
Joseba Lopez Mendia – TECNALIA, HarshLab Offshore Laboratory
Herveline Gaborieau – CEO, France Energies Marines
Patricia Comiskey – ESB
Eduardo Silva – INESC TEC
Helena Abreu Vieira Rodrigues – European Commission, DG MARE A2
Nathan Kirwan – SEAI
Manuel Rocha – CorPower Ocean
Carlos Garrido – SAITEC Offshore Technologies (panel discussion)