Abstract
IEC TC 114 (Marine energy – Wave, tidal and other water current converters) recently approved an update to its Strategic Business Plan (SBP). Following approval by the IEC Standardization Management Board (SMB), the updated SBP is now freely available for download on the TC 114 dashboard. The SBP is a critical document for TC 114 and the marine energy industry as it includes a prioritized list of the technical areas that require standardization for the industry to develop based on a consensus of National Committee (country) subject matter experts who represent several of the largest marine renewable energy industries globally. Further, the SBP outlines technology and market trends that provide the rationale and market relevance for the work of TC 114. For the first time, the SBP connects the work of TC 114, both directly and indirectly, to 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, the SBP directly connects the work of TC 114 to relevant international standards developed across the IEC, ISO, and other international standards development organizations ensuring that the industry utilizes existing best practices while avoiding duplication in the suite of TC 114 standards.
All stakeholders in the marine energy industry are encouraged to review this SBP and share it broadly within their community to ensure that the technical priorities identified are aligned with national research, funding, and regulatory initiatives underway around the world.