DMEC which is based in The Hague and specialises in offshore renewable energy solutions such as wind, wave and offshore solar power. But with mounting political and budget challenges, the pressure is on to drive public awareness around the Blue Economy and keep the momentum going in this vital area of research.
DMEC
DMEC is a non-profit organisation operating within the ‘Blue Economy’, a term used to describe nature-positive initiatives that sustain the existing marine environment. Based in The Hague, DMEC works to advance innovation, support market development and promote policies for offshore renewable energy projects.
But the political tide is turning. The Blue Economy has faced a number of challenges in recent times, with the current US administration pushing back on climate initiatives and blocking progress in renewable energy solutions.
“Looking at the political climate in the US - and even the EU to some extent - there is a lot of push back on some of these offshore projects because they are deemed to be too expensive or not necessary. But the truth is they ARE necessary. We need to start working on them now, because in 20 years it will be too late. We are lucky that there are a lot of people in the Hague and beyond that are ready to fight for these projects and help make them a reality.”
DIOMEDEO
In the face of these political and budget challenges, the team at DMEC are working hard to bring increased value to the sector with new applications and research. One such project is DIOMEDEO, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). DIOMEDEO uses satellite data to better map the ocean environment, and provides innovators with real, usable data for their offshore renewable energy programmes.
*picture is created with the help of Ai
“Interpreting satellite data is notoriously difficult, so DIOMEDEO provides tailored earth observation data for a variety of use cases. For example, a wave energy company looking to find the best place to establish its operations needs an interpretive tool that will provide insights such as the right location and the right weather windows to deliver the best results. DIOMEDEO can gather the data, process it and then bring it together in a single easy-to-use tool.”
The Hague Energized
In recent years, The Hague has become a focal point for young innovators within the renewable energy sector. Now, this trend has become a movement, with quarterly meetings held in the city under the banner The Hague Energized. The group’s diverse members include passionate people from corporates to start-ups; trainees to CEOs, and has made The Hague the place to be for young people within the renewable energy sector to come together and inspire each other.
“One of the most exciting things about our industry is the untapped potential that is out there. A lot of the technologies we are developing involve extracting energy from things in ways we’ve never thought of before. But it’s not something we can do alone. Events like The Hague Energized help raise awareness and get more people involved.”
Learn more about DIOMEDEO
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