Marine renewable energy technologies on the high seas: challenges and opportunities to strengthen international environmental and renewable energy governance

Abstract

Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) offer an extensive area of about half of the Earth’s surface with an unparalleled potential for the use of marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies to provide energy security and competitiveness to States and in the fight against climate change. However, the expansion of MRE technologies into ABNJ as well as the environmental impacts associated with their development can entail risks and threats to security and biodiversity. This paper focuses on highlighting key regulatory and governing challenges associated with the deployment of MRE technologies in ABNJ as well as an initial exploration of regulatory alternatives and forms of governance that could provide an effective way to enhance the sustainable and secure development of the MRE industry in ABNJ.