Marine Renewables Canada Connects Canadian Delegation with International Opportunities at the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) and Ocean Energy Europe (OEE) 2026

Marine Renewables Canada (MRC), with support from the Government of Canada, supported Canadian industry participation at the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) and Ocean Energy Europe (OEE) 2026, held October 4-7 in The Hague, Netherlands. The conference brought together international leaders, technology developers, researchers, and industry representatives to share developments across the marine renewable energy sector.

ICOE-OEE 2026 welcomed more than 500 attendees and featured over 35 exhibitors, 38 sessions and 154 speakers, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge and build connections.

With nine Canadian companies and organizations participating in the mission, MRC helped showcase Canadian capabilities in tidal and wave energy, strengthen international connections and explore opportunities for collaboration, market development and participation in global supply chains.

Connecting with International Markets

Throughout the conference, MRC’s Canada booth provided a meeting point for developers, supply chain companies, government representatives and other stakeholders interested in Canada’s marine renewable energy sector.

Discussions covered a range of topics, including activity at the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), Orbital Marine Power’s project, and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy’s recent call for tidal demonstration permits. The delegation also took part in one-on-one B2B meetings and informal discussions to exchange information and help identify potential areas of collaboration.

Group meetings with organizations and representatives from Team Scotland, the Basque Country, U.S. Marine Energy Test Centre, PacWave, the TEAMER funding program, Horizon Europe, DMEC and ORE Catapult, provided opportunities to learn more about international testing infrastructure, funding programs, innovation initiatives, and pathways for Canadian organizations to engage in other markets.

These conversations helped Canadian participants build relationships and learn more about the programs, expertise, and infrastructure supporting marine energy development internationally.

Showcasing Canadian Research, Innovation, and Progress

A highlight of the mission was a dedicated Canadian session, Advancing Marine Renewables in Canada: Innovation, Research, and Real-World Progress.

The panel brought together mission delegates to discuss developments across Canada’s marine renewable energy sector, including research, technology innovation, environmental monitoring, lessons learned and the challenges and opportunities involved in moving projects toward commercial deployment.

MRC also partnered with Ocean Energy Europe to co-host the conference welcome reception, providing another opportunity for Canadian delegates to connect with members of the international ocean energy community.

Learning from International Projects

Site visits offered additional insight into how marine energy technologies and offshore infrastructure are being developed, tested, and maintained.

At Scheveningen Innovation Harbour, the delegation met innovators working across wave energy, ocean currents and offshore infrastructure, including demonstrations of technologies such as portable wave-powered battery charging.

Other visits included the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, which protects surrounding areas from high water levels while accounting for tidal flows, and facilities focused on offshore wind maintenance and innovation. The delegation also saw a Water2Energy tidal turbine in operation and learned about wave energy technologies.

These visits provided practical examples of international research, testing, and maintenance activities, complementing the discussions taking place at the conference.

Building on the Mission

The mission provided a platform for Canadian companies and organizations to share their work, learn from international experience and explore opportunities to engage with industry, including researchers, funding program managers, and supply chain partners in other markets.

MRC thanks the Canadian delegation and everyone who took the time to meet with participants, share insights and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Special thanks go to Aberdeen International Associates (AIA), and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in The Hague, for their support in the lead-up to the mission and on the ground in The Hague.

MRC will continue supporting Canadian marine renewable energy organizations through international engagement, business development, and opportunities to connect with potential partners and markets.