The scale of the ocean economy is no longer theoretical. Globally, it is projected to exceed $3 trillion by the end of this decade. The technical potential of marine energy could supply the equivalent of roughly 56% of current U.S. power generation. Those figures underscore why marine energy is increasingly viewed as a serious component of the clean energy transition rather than niche technology.
Marine energy’s value proposition begins with predictability. Unlike many renewable resources, tidal energy can be forecasted years — even decades — in advance. Grid operators know exactly when energy will be produced, creating a level of certainty that complements wind and solar generation, which vary seasonally and daily. With sufficient development, marine energy could function as reliable baseload power while strengthening grid resilience during periods when other sources of generation underperform.
The resource opportunity is substantial. At 2026 IPF, panelists in the Ocean Economy 101 session discussed how the U.S. has an estimated 2,300 terawatt-hours per year of technically recoverable marine energy across all 50 states. Tidal resources, in particular, are geographically concentrated in high‑flow areas such as Cook Inlet in Alaska and New York’s Long Island Sound. That concentration enables targeted deployment strategies ranging from community‑scale systems to utility‑scale generation, tailored to local needs.
However, technology readiness varies across the sector. Tidal energy is the most mature, with increasing convergence around certain designs and mounting real‑world operating experience. Wave energy is earlier in its development, still exploring a wide range of engineering approaches without full standardization. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is technically feasible but isn’t ready for commercialization yet. Across all technologies, the next phase will require multi‑year pilot projects, operating hours, and verified performance data that investors and regulators can rely on.
Supporting energy infrastructure is critical. Grid-connected, open‑ocean test facilities help reduce permitting risk, validate performance, and accelerate commercialization. These facilities also provide cross‑industry value, supporting autonomous underwater vehicles, environmental monitoring, critical minerals research, and even national security applications for the marine environment.
The path forward is demanding. Marine energy will require sustained investment, long‑duration testing, and collaboration across public and private sectors. The opportunity is vast—but realizing it depends on turning resource potential into operating assets backed by real data.
This is part of a 2026 IPF recap series, read more at www.oceantic.org.
