Advancing Marine Renewable Energy: From High-Efficiency Capture to System Integration and Sustainable Deployment

Marine renewable energy (MRE)—including wave, tidal, ocean current, thermal, and salinity gradient energy—is a cornerstone of the global transition to a low-carbon economy. While significant progress has been made in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of energy capture, the MRE sector now faces a critical turning point: moving from localized prototypes to large-scale, integrated, and nature-positive energy systems.This Research Topic focuses on the next generation of MRE solutions. The primary challenge has shifted from simple energy conversion efficiency to ensuring long-term system integration, scalability, and environmental synergy. To achieve a sustainable ocean economy, MRE must be seamlessly integrated into coastal infrastructures and national energy grids while utilizing "nature-inclusive" designs that minimize ecological footprints or even enhance local biodiversity.This RT seeks to bridge the gap between technological innovation and real-world deployment. We welcome contributions that offer solution-oriented outcomes, addressing how MRE can be scaled up effectively and how devices can remain resilient under extreme maritime conditions while maintaining cost-effectiveness.The scope of this Research Topic is focused on enhancing the practical deployment and sustainability of MRE. We encourage submissions on, but not limited to:• System Integration & Grid Connection: Strategies for integrating MRE into coastal power grids, micro-grids, and offshore energy hubs.• Scalability & Deployment: Research on array layout optimization, techno-economic analysis, and pathways for the commercial-scale rollout of MRE technologies.• Nature-Inclusive Design (NID): Innovative engineering approaches that incorporate ecological benefits into MRE infrastructure (e.g., artificial reef integration, habitat enhancement).• Environmental & Climate Impact: Assessment of long-term environmental interactions and the role of MRE in climate change mitigation and adaptation.• Safety & Survivability: Advanced modeling and experimental testing of MRE devices under extreme sea conditions to ensure structural integrity and operational safety.• Integrated Multi-Energy Systems: Co-development and complementary utilization of multiple marine energy sources (e.g., wind-wave hybrids) and offshore energy storage technologies.• Real-world Applications: Case studies on application demonstrations, including powering remote islands, desalination plants, and offshore aquaculture. Topic editors: Yudong Xie, Guanghua HE, Hassan Ghassemi, Zhigang Zhang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79627/advancing-marine-renewable-energy-from-high-efficiency-capture-to-system-integration-and-sustainable-deployment