The role of patenting in emerging renewable energy technologies: the case of wave energy technology development

Abstract

Understanding the role of intellectual property (IP) in the development of emerging renewable energy technologies is critical, especially as nations transition to low-carbon energy systems. This study investigates the function and effectiveness of patents in the wave energy sector, focusing on their value as innovation indicators and their potential limitations due to the long development timelines of wave energy technologies and patent registration, and the risk of patent expiration. Alternative IP strategies, such as licensing and trade secrets, are considered in light of these challenges.
The study explores how wave energy developers engage with patents and manage IP, examining the approaches of companies across the spectrum of open and closed innovation models. Companies are classified based on their IP strategies, including whether they prioritise patenting or rely on publication to disseminate knowledge. This raises the question of the intrinsic value of patents: do they drive innovation or create barriers, and how they compare to other dissemination methods such as academic publishing? The study looks at wave energy technology intellectual property protection from the perspective that the risk of copying diminishes depending on whether the technology being developed is the device itself, the Power Take-off (PTO) mechanism or the controller.
Wave energy technology patenting is also contrasted with global trends in wind and solar energy, which have seen significant patent activity. Data for this analysis is drawn from European Patent Office (EPO) reports, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) studies, stakeholder interviews, and recent academic literature on the subject. These sources highlight the global state of patenting in wave energy and how patent reports can provide insights into overcoming technical barriers. By identifying technological advancements documented in patents, this study evaluates how such information can inform both innovation strategies and policy frameworks.
A central question addressed is whether patents encourage innovation in wave energy or inhibit progress due to their restrictive nature. Patent studies reveal that wave energy technologies are making strides in overcoming challenges such as efficiency, durability, and scalability. These findings suggest that patent information could be better utilised for technology assessment and strategic development. By integrating insights from patent reports into policy and innovation strategies, stakeholders can accelerate the development of wave energy technologies.
This study contributes to the broader discourse on the role of patents in renewable energy innovation. It emphasises the need for tailored IP strategies that balance protection and knowledge dissemination while accounting for the unique challenges faced by emerging technologies such as wave energy. The findings have implications for policymakers, developers, and investors aiming to advance the wave energy sector in Ireland and globally.