We use the energy system model JRC-EU-TIMES to assess the impact of technology improvements on marine energy in Europe.
With current expectations and assumptions, wave energy does not become cost-competitive in Europe by 2050.
Tidal energy could be cost-effective in 2050, but substantial technology improvements are needed for its earlier deployment.
Investing 0.1–1.1 BEur per year in R&D could be cost-effective, if bringing technology improvements in the range explored.