Marine Renewable Energy Coallition (MRECo) of New England

Welcome to the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative!

For Immediate Release
October 12, 2025

Contact:
John Miller, MRECo Executive Director
Director@MRECoNewEngland.org
https://www.mreconewengland.org/contact-us/

MRECo awarded $1.9 million To Develop Test Sites for Tidal and Wave Energy

New Bedford, Mass. – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced $1,885,870 in funding to enable the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative (MRECo) to upgrade and expand its shallow water and nearshore test facilities, including new data systems, improved safety and sensor deployment at the Bourne Tidal Test Site, electrical grid access for tidal turbines, and enhanced infrastructure for testing floating devices and wave energy buoys off Cuttyhunk Island.

Through its new Ocean Innovation Network, this award will further position Massachusetts as a leader in ocean technology, accelerating the development of new solutions while fostering connections among marine science and technology businesses, particularly on the South Coast, Cape Cod, and the North Shore.

“This is how we lead—with strong investments that give inventors and researchers access to labs, testing facilities, and coastal sites where they can build and deploy real technology like underwater drones, smart buoys, and marine sensors that will change how we understand and protect our oceans,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program will help drive solutions that can put our state on the map as a global leader in ocean science and technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with natural resources.”

The Ocean Innovation Network will have a direct impact on local businesses by expanding access to shared testing facilities located at existing docks and in nearshore and offshore areas. These sites will allow companies to test and improve their technologies, making it easier for them to bring new products to the market. The initiative will also support organizations that help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of logistics, supply chain, and permitting, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, the program will expand co-working facilities for oceantech startups. To ensure companies are well-prepared to succeed, mentorship programs will be developed to guide them through engaging with customers, refining their products, and bringing them to market.

The initiative builds on MassCEC’s Climatetech Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan, a roadmap for ensuring Massachusetts remains a global climatetech leader. The plan calls for strategic investments in testing and demonstration assets, physical and programmatic support for startups, and stronger coordination across the ecosystem.

“Oceantech startups are developing innovative ways to make maritime industries more energy efficient, protect marine life and coastal communities, and generate clean, local power from the ocean. With the Ocean Innovation Network, we are building the infrastructure and support system that these startups need to thrive,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “These awards are a down payment on a stronger, more connected network that will accelerate innovation, expand access to testing and workspaces, and reinforce Massachusetts as the premier place to launch and grow oceantech businesses and jobs.”

For more information, visit www.masscec.com/our-focus/offshore-wind/ocean-innovation.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million in programs and investments and attracted more than $2.8 billion in private and public funds.

###

Learn About Marine Renewable Energy, John Miller talks to the New Bedford Science Cafe.
###

Download BTTS brochure!

The New England Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative (MRECo) is a nonprofit corporation that educates and involves all stakeholders (Academic, industry, governmental/regulatory, and public interest groups) to promote the sustainable development of renewable energy in New England ocean waters.

To do this, MRECo must establish:

Updated 12/2/2017!

• Processes and relationships to allow effective transfer of technology from universities to industry.
•  A world class academic consortium to train the workforce of the future and to assist industry with basic and applied research.
• An industry user group to elicit research needs and to assist in advocating.
• Permanent ocean test sites to facilitate research and demonstration.
• Involvement of public interest groups to minimize ocean ecosystem impact.