European Ocean Energy Funding & Policy Opportunities: A Guide for Innovators
- Elaine Sherriffs
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
The ocean energy sector is entering a pivotal phase in Europe. With strong policy support, ambitious renewable energy targets, and a growing range of funding opportunities, now is an ideal time for innovators, developers, and organisations to accelerate wave and tidal energy projects. At Blackfish Engineering, we work alongside ocean energy pioneers to deliver engineering solutions from concept to verified technology. Here’s a concise guide to the key European funding and policy programmes that could support your projects in the coming years.
Call: HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13 – a pre-commercial procurement (PCP) programme for wave energy development.
Funding & Focus:
€20 million earmarked for device developers
Stage 3 wave energy technologies aiming for TRL 7–8
Full-scale demonstrators tested for at least 12 months
Eligibility:
Developers from EU or Horizon Europe associated countries (including the UK)
Buyers’ group (to prepare the programme) must include ≥3 legal entities, with ≥2 public procurers
Timeline:
Applications open: September 2025
Developer applications: June 2027 (indicative)
Description:Â Builds on the EuropeWave stage-gate model, supporting device deployment in industrially relevant environments.
Contact:Â Soenke Jordan, Ocean Energy Europe (s.jordan@oceanenergy.eu)
Horizon Europe 2026–2027: Ocean Energy ‘Flagship’ (€44M)
Call: HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D3-10 – a SET-Plan Flagship programme for wave and tidal energy.
Funding Breakdown:
Demonstration Challenge: €25M for ≥3 single demonstrations (TRL 6–7)
Breakthrough & Validation Challenges (FSTP): €9M for short-term technology projects (<18 months)
Core Consortium Activities: €6.92M for sector-wide research & innovation initiatives
Scope:
Innovative wave and next-generation tidal devices
Sustainable materials, moorings, and foundations
Electrical and hydraulic connection systems
AI-enabled condition monitoring and predictive maintenance
Advanced manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning solutions
Timeline:
Consortium applications: March 2027 (indicative)
First FSTP calls for third-party developers: 2028
Description:Â This call represents an opportunity to advance multiple ocean energy technologies while contributing to sector-wide knowledge and innovation.
Policy Context: Ocean Energy as an Innovative Renewable
The European Commission has named ocean energy as a key technology for achieving the EU’s 2030 renewable targets. Member states are encouraged to allocate 5% of newly installed renewable capacity to innovative technologies, including wave and tidal energy.
Key system benefits:
Wave:Â continues producing electricity after wind stops; higher output in winter
Tidal:Â 100% predictable, enhancing grid stability and reducing system costs
Revenue Support:Â Mechanisms such as feed-in tariffs or contracts for difference (CfDs) have already accelerated UK tidal projects (>120 MW contracted) and present a clear pathway for wave energy in other European countries.
How Blackfish Engineering Can Support You
Navigating the funding landscape while developing, testing, and scaling ocean energy technologies requires both technical and strategic expertise. At Blackfish Engineering, our agile, multidisciplinary team helps clients:
Understand TRL-specific funding opportunities
Develop engineering concepts for stage-gate project structures
Plan and execute demonstrations in controlled or real-sea environments
Integrate innovative mooring, electrical, and monitoring solutions
Whether you’re preparing an application or seeking technical validation, we can help bridge the gap between funding and delivery.
How Blackfish Can Accelerate Your Time to Market
We understand the complexities of R&D and innovation in ocean energy. If you are a technology developer or investor, we invite you to reach out. Let us help you accelerate your time to market, reduce costs, and move ocean energy innovations from concept to commercial reality.
Get in Touch with our Team
Start the conversation today. Contact our team to discuss how Blackfish Engineering can support your next wave or tidal energy project - from concept and funding strategy to demonstration and market readiness.