With the goal of achieving a more stable and sustainable energy system, Europe is advancing a strategy that is gaining increasing importance: the incorporation of marine renewable energy. This range includes everything from offshore wind to tidal and floating solar energy, as well as hybrid models that combine multiple technologies on a single platform.

Based on his experience as an electrical engineer specializing in renewable energy in marine environments, researcher Nayeem Hossain points out that these technologies will be decisive in the coming years. “The potential is enormous. It has the capacity to become one of the most powerful energy industries in the near future,” he states in an interview with Strategic Energy Europe.

Offshore Wind: An Expanding Industry

Among all the technologies, the one that has gained the most traction in Europe is offshore wind energy. Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom are investing in new projects that take advantage of the wealth of offshore wind resources.

Hossain explains that the technology is still maturing, but already offers economic advantages. “The market is profitable even at this stage. Once the technology matures, it will be even more competitive and will help reduce the cost of electricity,” he asserts.

In particular, he highlights the case of Spain, where a significant expansion of offshore wind farms is expected in the coming years, especially in the Cantabrian Sea, where high-potential areas such as the Bay of Biscay are located.

Tidal and Current Energy: An Untapped Resource

In addition to wind, marine currents and tides represent a constant and predictable energy source. In cities like Bilbao, for example, currents reach speeds of up to four meters per second, which makes it possible to consider the installation of tidal turbines.

“We can implement barriers or turbines to harness tidal energy. It is a complementary source that can operate in conditions where other renewables cannot generate power,” the specialist points out.

These types of technologies, although less developed than wind power, offer the advantage of more stable generation, making them valuable for complementing highly intermittent systems such as solar or onshore wind power.

Hybridization of Technologies: The Floating Future

One of the most promising fields of innovation is floating hybrid solutions, which combine wind, solar, and tidal energy in a single structure. Although still in the prototype phase, the concept has already captured the interest of companies and investors.

“On ​​a single platform, you can have a wind turbine, floating solar panels, and tidal turbines. It’s a type of multiple generation that is being explored,” says Hossain. In his opinion, although the performance of marine solar is lower compared to offshore wind, the value lies in the complementarity of these sources.

According to the engineer, the surface area required by floating solar remains a technical challenge, but with appropriate design solutions, it can be integrated into strategic areas without competing with other infrastructure.

Market Maturity and Social Acceptance

The development of these technologies still faces the challenge of technological and commercial maturity. Hossain emphasizes that “although many of these solutions are in the pilot or prototype phase, the market is promising” and is already generating profitability in certain regions.
Furthermore, he highlights that social awareness of the benefits of renewable energy is growing, which facilitates the acceptance of new projects. “People increasingly value the moments when the system operates solely on renewables. This generates enthusiasm and positive pressure on governments,” he states.

The role of public policies and European cooperation

The definitive impetus, however, must come from regulatory frameworks and public funding programs. Hossain’s own training in the Erasmus Mundus program, funded by the European Union, is proof that there are initiatives aimed at strengthening technical capacities in the sector.
“The European Union is training professionals and investing in research. Furthermore, it promotes transnational projects that seek to accelerate the transition in all member countries,” he explains.

For the specialist, advancing this type of technology requires a coordinated approach that includes infrastructure, regulation, financing, and social awareness. The European experience, he asserts, is an example for other regions of the world.
“The transformation is underway. It’s only a matter of time before these marine technologies go from being innovations to central pillars of the European electricity system,” he concludes.