Ocean renewable energy for equitable energy access in a Blue Economy

Offshore and coastal renewable energy could be a key contributor to energy sovereignty, decarbonization efforts, and co-benefits to other sectors of a Blue Economy. However, current development is predominantly focused on large-scale sites to offset emissions to meet national climate action targets, not on providing energy access where it can deliver more direct community benefits and support equity goals. We undertake a global analysis to identify where offshore renewable energy could contribute to an equity-focused goal of providing energy access to coastlines unconnected to existing electric grids, i.e., “last-mile” electrification. Results show that these energy resources are widely distributed throughout the world, and could particularly benefit coastal areas in Oceania, South America, southern and eastern Africa, western Australia, and the Arctic. In contrast, most current investment in offshore and coastal renewable energy—to date, mainly offshore wind sites—is in highly developed regions. Redirecting support to areas in need of electricity requires national and international financial institutions to shift from profit-driven renewable energy developments in highly-developed and energy-rich nations and towards equity-focused development. Making sure that economically marginalized and remote communities with unmet energy needs can both control and benefit from economic and technological developments such as renewable energy is one way to align development processes with energy equity and energy transformation goals, often stated within Blue Economy plans. This requires a conceptual and financial reorientation that emphasizes community energy needs and agency throughout development processes.