Abstract
This presentation is an explanation of the Ocean Energy Systems Implementing Agreement. This agreement is a framework that exists under the International Energy Agency. However, the IEA is not directly involved, but they do provide the foundation to facilitate international cooperation. The agreement was introduced in 2001 by 3 countries and has now grown to 18. The mission is to, by 2020, realize the use of cost competitive and environmentally sustainable ocean energy. Currently, there are four annexes under the agreement, working towards this goal. The four annexs include: (1) Annex I - Review, Exchange and Dissemination of Information on Ocean Energy System (2) Annex II - Development of Recommended Practices for Testing and Evaluating Ocean Energy Systems (3) Annex III - Integration of Ocean Energy Plants into Distribution and Transmission Electrical Grids (4) Annex IV – Assessment of Environmental Effects and Monitoring Create a public, international research database The Annex IV will share existing environmental research in a database, while also providing this information to the public. The database is under design by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. There are currently nine participants in the Annex IV.