Many countries in Asia and the Pacific are dependent on oceans for their economic growth. Yet, one free resource remains unexplored – marine renewable energy. Offshore wind and floating solar projects are being developed and implemented in several countries in the region. There is a unique opportunity to examine multifunctional approaches to better manage coastal and marine areas and exclusive economic zones, while harnessing their renewable energy resources. What does a multifunctional approach involve? How are countries planning and implementing marine renewable energy projects? What are the challenges and risks? How can we ensure strong cross government collaboration on marine renewable energy related projects? How are ports, ships and transmission lines being upgraded to meet this demand? How are innovative projects being structured and financed by the private sector?

This session will cover the latest advances in ocean-based renewable energy technologies, with a focus on offshore wind and floating solar initiatives. Presentations will cover the largest floating PV project in Vietnam, and near-shore marine FPV projects in the Pacific that incorporate productive uses of energy and sustainable blue economy; the development of marine renewable energy in densely populated areas of the Maldives; and the innovative possibility of generating sustainable round-the-clock renewable energy through salt gradient power (SGP) projects that harness the difference in salt concentration between seawater and river water. A presentation will describe the challenges and opportunities in launching the offshore wind market in the Philippines and gain insights into how offshore power generation can coexist with other ocean-based industries while balancing energy production with environmental conservation. This session will be extremely useful for industry professionals and policymakers seeking to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in freshwater and marine floating solar and offshore wind energy generation and related concerns about its environmental sustainability.