Marine Energy

Dear Colleagues,

With the increasingly in-depth exploration and application of sustainable energy solutions, marine energy, boasting vast and largely untapped potential, has attracted extensive attention in the field of energy. The Topic “Marine Energy” is dedicated to the in-depth exploration, development, and efficient utilization of marine energy, regarding it as a core element in constructing a sustainable and renewable energy future.

Our core objective is to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration among researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders. By transcending the boundaries of different fields, we strive to comprehensively analyze the complex and diverse challenges within the entire marine energy value chain and seize the abundant opportunities therein, covering every crucial link, from energy capture and conversion to storage and application. We anticipate that this Topic will serve as an important opportunity to converge cutting-edge research findings, breakthrough technologies, and practical experiences. Through the joint efforts of all parties, we aim to accelerate the integration of marine energy solutions into the global energy system and make tangible contributions to the true decarbonization of the energy system. The research scope of this Topic includes, but is not limited to, the following themes:

• Tidal, Wave, and Ocean-Current Energy: Cutting-edge technologies for harnessing marine kinetic energy, such as advanced tidal turbines, high-efficiency wave energy converters, and innovative ocean current power systems.
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): Technological breakthroughs in the production of clean electricity through leveraging the temperature differences between surface and deep-sea water.
• Salinity Gradient Energy: The latest progress in osmotic power and related technologies and the exploration of latent energy potential hidden in salt concentration differences.
• Marine Solar Energy: The development of innovative floating solar farms and underwater photovoltaic systems tailored to the special marine environment.
• Offshore Power Transmission: Technologies for efficient and safe transmission of offshore-generated energy to shore, including subsea cables and grid integration for long-distance energy transfer.
• Energy Storage and Utilization: The development of high-performance battery systems, efficient hydrogen production technologies, and hybrid energy storage solutions.
• Gas Hydrates: Research on exploration strategies, extraction technologies, and the potential evaluation of methane hydrates as a clean energy source.
• Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts: Comprehensive life-cycle assessments, in-depth sustainability studies, and the formulation of complete policy frameworks.
• Innovative Materials and Engineering Designs: Advanced materials and innovative structural designs to enhance the efficiency, durability, and economic benefits of marine energy systems.

We warmly invite researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government agencies to actively submit original research papers, in-depth review articles, and practical case studies. These submissions should focus on the latest progress, existing challenges, and best practices in the dynamic field of marine energy. Through your collaboration, we hope to fully explore the vast energy potential of the ocean and jointly move towards a bright future of sustainable energy.

Prof. Dr. Hongsheng Dong
Prof. Dr. Xiang Sun
Dr. Zeshao You
Topic Editors