Ocean Energy Systems (OES) is the short name for the Technology Collaboration Programme on Ocean Energy Systems, an intergovernmental collaboration between countries, founded in 2001, which operates under a framework established by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris.
Established in 1974, the International Energy Agency (IEA) carries out a comprehensive programme of energy co-operation for its 29 member countries and beyond by examining the full spectrum of energy issues and advocating policies that will enhance energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide.
Activities are set up under Technology Collaboration Programmes. These are independent bodies operating in a framework provided by the IEA. There are 42 currently active Technology Collaboration Programmes, one of which is the Ocean Energy Systems (OES).
Comprised of 6000 experts participating in governing bodies and international groups managing technology programmes. The Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT), comprised of senior experts from IEA member governments, considers effective energy technology and policies to improve energy security, encourage environmental protection and maintain economic growth. The CERT is supported by four specialised Working Parties:
Working Party on Energy End-use Technologies (EUWP): technologies and processes to improve efficiency in the buildings, electricity, industry, and transport sectors
Working Party on Fossil Fuels (WPFF): cleaner use of coal, improvements in gas/oil exploration, and carbon capture and storage
Fusion Power Co-ordinating Committee (FPCC): fusion devices, technologies, materials, and physics phenomena
Working Party on Renewable Energy Technology (REWP): technologies, socio-economic issues and deployment policies
Each Working Party coordinates the research activities of relevant IEA Technology Collaboration
The IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs)
The IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) are international groups of experts that enable governments and industries from around the world to lead programmes and projects on a wide range of energy technologies and related issues, from building pilot plants to providing policy guidance in support of energy security, economic growth and environmental protection. The first TCP was created in 1975.
To date, TCP participants have examined close to 2 000 topics. Today TCP participants represent more than 300 public and private-sector organisations from over 50 countries.
TCPs are governed by a flexible and effective framework and organised through an Implementing Agreement. TCP activities and programmes are managed and financed by the participants. Learn more about the TCPs in this film:
The OES is organised under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA) but is functionally and legally autonomous. Views, findings and publications of the OES do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the IEA Secretariat or its individual member countries.
