Marine Renewable Energy Systems: From Resource Characterization to Grid Integration

Marine renewable energy systems represent a rapidly advancing field within the global transition to sustainable power sources. Harnessing resources such as waves, tides, ocean currents, and offshore wind offers significant opportunities due to their predictable and, in many cases, abundant nature. While early-stage deployments have demonstrated the technical feasibility of these systems, the sector faces ongoing debates regarding cost-effectiveness, reliability, survivability, and the optimization of energy production. Recent research has produced advances in device design, resource assessment methodologies, power take-off mechanisms, and digital modelling of marine conditions. However, studies continue to reveal gaps in the long-term resilience of structures, maintenance strategies tailored to harsh marine settings, and the seamless integration of offshore renewable energy systems into existing grid infrastructures. Despite these advances, the commercial viability of marine renewable energy remains hindered by logistical constraints, the need for novel engineering solutions, and the complexity of offshore-to-onshore electrical transmission. Ongoing efforts have focused on modular engineering approaches, improved resource forecasting, and enhanced grid interfaces. Yet, issues such as lifecycle costs, compliance with evolving grid codes, and the ability of marine energy systems to contribute ancillary services are far from resolved. There is a pressing need for holistic approaches that merge technological innovation, economic analysis, and policy frameworks to address these challenges and accelerate the path to large-scale deployment. This Research Topic aims to bring together multidisciplinary contributions that deepen our understanding of marine renewable energy systems, from resource characterization to the intricacies of grid integration. We seek to highlight innovations in structural engineering, offshore infrastructure, power electronics, and system modelling while also exploring cross-cutting themes like economics, sustainability, and policy. By fostering discussion across these areas, the topic will help shape future research priorities and inform practical pathways toward commercial and environmental success.To gather further insights in the optimization and integration of marine renewable energy systems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Resource characterization and forecasting methods for marine renewables• Structural design, survivability, and reliability in harsh ocean environments• Power take-off, energy conversion, and offshore substation solutions• Grid integration, compliance with grid codes, and provision of ancillary services• Digital twins, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance for marine devices Topic editors: Mabrouk Mosbahi, Zhihao Zhang, Ahmed Ayadi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78146/marine-renewable-energy-systems-from-resource-characterization-to-grid-integration