Marine Energy Research

NREL research, development, and economic analyses help drive and empower the development of the marine energy industry.

NREL is the only national lab that supports the full development life cycle of marine energy technologies—from early-stage design lab validation to open-water testing—helping developers streamline design and deployment and delivering economic solutions for coastal communities and offshore industries.

At NREL, scientists and engineers advance technologies to capture energy from waves, tides, ocean currents, and river currents, which could deliver electricity to the grid and power maritime industry needs. Collaborating closely with the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office and the marine energy community, NREL researchers leverage their extensive expertise in numerical modeling, laboratory testing, and open-water validation. With decades of experience in energy innovation, NREL offers a unique suite of advanced tools and models that streamline R&D, reduce testing barriers, accelerate deployment, and foster expert collaboration.

To learn more about what marine energy is and how it works, explore NREL's Marine Energy Basics or tour REDi Island, a virtual world fueled by energy technologies and home to more than a dozen water-based exploration points. To learn more about the marine energy community and research, visit the Portal and Repository for Information on Marine Renewable Energy.