Blue energy: a viable energy transition for the overseas?

The maritime sector of the European Union is a sector of great importance for the community: in total, it employs 5 million people and by its activity, it generates 500 billion euros per year. With the objective of its revaluation, the ministers responsible for maritime affairs sign the declaration of Limassol in October 2012. This declaration shows the will to reinvigorate the integrated maritime policy of the European Union and the desire to develop growth blue in this sector.
Following this declaration, the Commission adopted a strategy for "Blue Growth" aimed at developing 5 main sectors of activity of the blue economy: marine energy, aquaculture, maritime tourism, blue biotechnology and seabed resources. Blue energy is today a growing sector and a source of renewable energy that is still in full swing. Water can be creative electricity especially through thermal energy, osmotic energy or currents.

More than 10 years after the creation of the first integrated maritime policy program by the Commission, EURACTIV invites you to launch the debate on the current state and future of blue energy in the EU.

The questions will include:
- Could marine energy guarantee the energy autonomy of the overseas territories of the EU?
- Is blue energy a secure source of energy for marine biodiversity?
- What development opportunities for overseas territories can present the blue economy?
- What future can we envisage for blue energy in Europe?

Place: 
Paris, France
Date: 
18 December 2018