Water Power Commercialization

NLR is the only national laboratory supporting the full development life cycle of marine energy technologies. NLR helps marine energy developers streamline design and deployment and deliver economic solutions for coastal communities and offshore industries. 

Laboratory staff investigate regulatory and permitting frameworks that impact deployment processes for marine energy and other ocean technologies. The staff analyzes policies, government programs, environmental considerations, public funding, and private capital mechanisms that can support technology commercialization. This research team also evaluates barriers to deployments such as policies and public perception and provides technical assistance from a technology-agnostic perspective to improve understanding of emerging technologies. 

This work is done in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and marine energy developers to support commercialization efforts through program design and development, vouchers, and direct one-on-one commercialization support through the TEAMER program. The team has also developed a risk management framework for DOE-funded research, development, and deployment activities. Participation in this risk management analysis is required for projects seeking to undergo open-water testing.

Capabilities

• Risk identification and mitigation strategies
• Policy analysis to navigate and address lengthy siting and permitting challenges
• Financial modeling, planning, and management
• Market research and customer discovery
• Partnership models for proactive community engagement and education

Publications

State-Level Marine Energy Policy Case Study and Overview, NLR Technical Report (2025) 

Marine Energy Commercialization Review: Evaluation of the Transition From Public to Private Capital, NLR Technical Report (2024)

Marine Energy Technology Development Risk Management Framework, NLR Technical Report (2024)

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