Join us for a lunchtime webinar:
- Tuesday 24 February 2026
- 1 – 2pm
- Online via Zoom
Future Horizons for Marine Energy: Leveraging Research to Scale and Sustain
With EMEC
We are delighted to partner with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) for this webinar session. We'll be joined by Dr Dernis Mediavilla, Innovation Manager at EMEC to explore how research is helping to scale and sustain marine energy. EMEC is the world’s first and leading facility for demonstrating and testing wave and tidal energy converters at sea. Based in Orkney, with two grid-connected test sites, EMEC’s facilities help to test these technologies in a harsh marine environment, while in close proximity to sheltered waters and harbours.
Context
Marine energy is entering a pivotal stage, moving from promising prototypes to large-scale deployment. This webinar will showcase EMEC’s journey, from past demonstrations to future ambitions in marine renewables and sustainable offtake.
Discussion
We’ll discuss how targeted R&D can help to bridge the “valley of death”, accelerate industrialisation, and unlock pathways for commercial success. Looking ahead, the role of R&D is more important than ever in shaping the future of marine energy. From optimising technologies to enabling integrated energy systems, research provides the foundation for scaling solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Join us as we discuss collaborative pathways that connect innovation to impact, ensuring marine energy not only survives but thrives as a cornerstone of the global energy transition.
About the Speaker
Dr Dernis Mediavilla Zanassi, EMEC Innovation Manager
Dernis Mediavilla is Innovation Manager at EMEC, working at the intersection of R&D and commercialisation to scale marine energy and integrated renewable systems. She holds a PhD in Oceanography from Universidad de Concepción, with a background in physical oceanography and oceanographic numerical modelling. She had prior roles at Chile’s Marine Energy Research & Innovation Center (MERIC), as Technical Coordinator and Projects Director. She is a certified PMP, supports international standards and conformity assessment for Marine Energy (IEC/IECRE), and was recognised as “Women of the Year 2020” by Chile’s Ministry of Energy.
