The International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA-OES) has published a report drawing together more than a decade of experience from marine energy test centres worldwide.
Compiled by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), it reflects the work of the International Wave and Tidal Energy Test Sites (WaTERS) network, which was established in 2013 to connect open-sea facilities and accelerate learning across the sector.
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From its origins as a forum for knowledge exchange, the network has evolved into a structured platform addressing technical, regulatory, environmental and financial challenges. Participation has expanded across Europe, North America and Asia, with workshops and exchanges shaping a shared understanding of how to deploy ocean energy technologies more effectively.
This collaboration has reduced duplication and helped test centres solve common problems more quickly. The report shows that lessons learned in one region, whether related to consenting, operations or environmental monitoring, are now informing decisions elsewhere. As a result, the network has become a mechanism for translating experience into practical guidance for developers, regulators and policymakers.
At the same time, the role of test centres has broadened significantly. No longer limited to hosting devices, they are now positioned as key infrastructure for the sector, supporting innovation, reducing risk and providing data that underpins investment and regulation.
From single technologies to integrated hubs
One of the central findings is the transformation of test centres into multi-technology innovation hubs. Facilities originally designed for wave and tidal devices are now supporting floating wind, hydrogen production, energy storage and advanced monitoring systems. This reflects both changing market demand and wider energy system integration.
The transition has required significant adaptation. Infrastructure built for single technologies has needed upgrading to accommodate new systems, while operational complexity has increased as centres manage a wider range of activities. Financial pressures have also been a factor, as diversification often requires upfront investment without guaranteed returns. In response, many centres have developed flexible service models, partnerships and consultancy offerings to remain viable.
Alongside this shift, offshore operations have become more sophisticated. Harsh marine environments continue to present challenges, from unpredictable weather windows to seabed variability and limited vessel access. However, test centres have increasingly adopted digital tools, remote monitoring systems and autonomous vehicles to improve efficiency. Lessons from offshore wind, oil and gas and aquaculture have also been integrated, particularly in areas such as cable management and logistics.
Importantly, the network has created a culture of shared operational learning. Centres exchange information on both successes and failures, including maintenance strategies, equipment issues and near-miss incidents. This collective knowledge base has helped reduce risk and improve performance across the sector, even as each site continues to require tailored approaches based on local conditions.
Regulation, environment and trust
The report highlights certification and consenting as persistent challenges. While international standards have developed, formal certification processes remain costly and complex, particularly for early stage developers. To address this, many test centres have introduced staged verification pathways, allowing technologies to progress gradually from non-accredited trials to full certification. This approach lowers barriers to entry while maintaining a route to compliance.
Environmental monitoring and consenting present another layer of complexity. Regulatory requirements vary widely between countries, and permitting processes can be slow and uncertain. In some cases, developers are required to demonstrate minimal risk before deployment, which can delay projects. Test centres have responded by promoting adaptive, risk-based approaches including “survey, deploy, monitor” models that allow for learning during deployment, rather than requiring complete certainty upfront.
Pre-consented testing zones have also emerged as a practical solution, reducing administrative burdens and providing flexibility. At the same time, test centres have taken a leading role in advancing environmental monitoring techniques and advocating for greater data sharing. Standardising monitoring protocols and improving interoperability are seen as critical steps in reducing regulatory friction.
Beyond regulation, stakeholder engagement has become a strategic priority. Early and transparent interaction with communities, fisheries and environmental groups is now essential for securing social licences. Test centres increasingly act as conveners, facilitating dialogue and building trust through continuous engagement, education initiatives and clear communication. The shift from reactive consultation to proactive engagement has been a defining change, helping to reduce conflict and support project development.
Collaboration, funding and the path forward
Collaboration remains the defining strength of the International WaTERS network. Over time, test centres have developed shared tools such as databases, risk registers and lessons-learned logs, enabling the exchange of information on technical performance, safety and environmental impacts. Initiatives including staff exchanges, joint procurement and collaborative research projects have further strengthened connections across the network.
However, barriers to collaboration persist. Differences in data formats, concerns over confidentiality and the absence of standardised platforms can limit information sharing. The report calls for clearer governance frameworks and incentives to support more open and structured collaboration, alongside continued investment in digital infrastructure and shared systems.
Funding is another ongoing challenge. Many test centres operate on a mix of public funding, project-based grants and developer fees, creating uncertainty and limiting long-term planning. The early stage nature of many marine energy technologies means that commercial revenues remain limited, placing additional pressure on test centre finances. In response, centres are increasingly adopting diversified funding models and positioning themselves as strategic assets within the energy transition.
The report’s policy recommendations reflect these realities. They emphasise the need for adaptive regulation, streamlined consenting, investment in infrastructure and support for data sharing. Recognising test centres as critical enablers of innovation is seen as key to accelerating deployment and reducing risk for developers and investors.
Looking ahead, the priorities are clear: expand shared resources, strengthen international collaboration, and continue to integrate emerging technologies such as hydrogen and floating wind. The experience of the WaTERS network shows that coordinated action and evidence-based planning are essential for progress. As marine energy moves closer to commercial maturity, the role of test centres – and the value of collaboration between them – will only increase.
