What's your strategy for staying current with marine renewable energy developments?

1 Join professional networks

One of the best ways to learn from experts and peers in the MRE field is to join professional networks and associations. These can provide you with access to newsletters, webinars, workshops, conferences, and online forums where you can exchange ideas, insights, and experiences. Some examples of MRE-related networks are the International Network on Offshore Renewable Energy (INORE), the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative (MRECo), and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

2 Follow industry publications

Another way to stay informed about the latest news, research, and projects in the MRE sector is to follow industry publications and journals. These can give you a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of MRE, as well as the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of different technologies and applications. Some examples of MRE-related publications are the International Journal of Marine Energy, the Wave and Tidal Energy Network Magazine, and the Offshore Wind Journal.

3 Explore online courses

If you want to deepen your knowledge and skills in specific areas of MRE, you can explore online courses and programs offered by various institutions and platforms. These can help you learn about the design, operation, maintenance, and optimization of MRE systems, as well as the regulatory, social, and ethical issues involved. Some examples of MRE-related online courses are the Marine Renewable Energy course by the University of Edinburgh, the Offshore Wind Energy course by Delft University of Technology, and the Wave Energy Converter Design course by INORE.

4 Engage with social media

A simple and convenient way to keep track of MRE developments is to engage with social media platforms and channels. These can provide you with timely updates, opinions, and perspectives from various stakeholders, such as researchers, developers, policymakers, and enthusiasts. You can also use social media to network with other marine engineers, ask questions, share feedback, and discover new opportunities. Some examples of MRE-related social media accounts are the @OceanEnergyEU Twitter account, the Ocean Energy Systems LinkedIn group, and the Marine Renewable Energy YouTube channel.

5 Experiment with simulations

A fun and practical way to stay current with MRE developments is to experiment with simulations and software tools that allow you to model, test, and analyze different MRE scenarios and solutions. These can help you improve your understanding of the physics, mechanics, and dynamics of MRE systems, as well as their performance, reliability, and impact. Some examples of MRE-related simulations and software tools are the WaveDyn Wave Energy Converter Simulator by DNV GL, the Tidal Bladed Tidal Turbine Simulator by DNV GL, and the FAST Offshore Wind Turbine Simulator by NREL.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?