The transmediterranean project PELAGOS (Promoting innovative nEtworks and cLusters for mArine renewable energy synerGies in cOasts and iSlands) is a pilot project funded under the Interreg-MED 2014-2020 program.

The main aim of the project is to establish a permanent Cluster of national HUBs in the Blue Energy (BE) sector of the MED area, where technical experiences are shared. 

The overall objectives of PELAGOS project are to:

• Design and build a Mediterranean Cluster on Marine Renewable Energy sector;
• Accelerate the deployment of Key Enabling Technologies (offshore wind turbines, wave energy converters, osmotic systems, tidal current devices, ocean thermal energy conversion technologies) in growing market sectors (sustainable tourism, aquaculture, shipbuilding and repair, marine transport);
• Promote the internationalization of the Cluster and its members;
• Stimulate smart and sustainable growth in the Mediterranean.

To do so, PELAGOS has undertaken the following activities:

1. bringing together all the actors of the Blue Energy value chain through specific support services (capacity building, networking, business growth) as well as via the on-line platform on Blue Energy;
2. Implementation of pilot activities in each of the 7 regional HUBS (Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) and enhancement of the transnational cooperation between them through
3. the development of the Mediterranean Blue Energy cluster. 

Each national HUB is composed by National key actors dedicated to research, development and innovation (SMEs, technology providers, researchers, RTOs, start-ups, spin-offs, entrepreneurs, policy makers, large firms, citizens), while the Mediterranean cluster is composed of the national HUBs and additional Mediterranean key Innovation Support Organizations involved in the MRE sector (RTOs, Universities, Business Support Organizations, NGOs &Energy Agents, Maritime Clusters, Technology Transfer Offices & Innovation Poles).

The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) is the Greek HUB coordinator that offers some services to its members, such as: 

• Capacity building seminars on entrepreneurship and technology transfer, on Blue Energy markets and MRE technological applications, and innovation soft-skills development, 
• Open Innovation Pathway services to SMEs/ start-ups/ spin-offs by assessing their innovation potential, mentoring them how to develop attractive business plans and undertake high-risks joint projects, and offering broker services to channel financial resources to the most promising business plan.

PELAGOS involves 9 partners: 

• Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) – Greece, 
• Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) – Italy, 
• University of Algarve (UAlg) – Portugal, 
• CTN Marine Technology Centre (CTN) – Spain, 
• Association of Chambers of Commerce of Veneto Region (UCV) – Italy, 
• Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) –Greece, 
• Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean (Mar.In.E.M) – Cyprus, 
• Toulon Var Technologies & Pole Mer Mediterranee (TVT – PMM) – France, 
• University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZAG FSB) – Croatia.

PELAGOS will implement Pilot Actions at both regional, national and transnational level, that will illustrate and provide services, tools and methods tailored to the needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and help highlight the actual obstacles and limitations to the development of the Blue Energy sector.

As a relevant experience and example of good practice, PELAGOS is expected to be highlighted by WEF – CAP in upcoming discussions and workshops related to good policy development.

More information about the project can be found here. 

PELAGOS developed a video that is available here.