Joint ICOE and OEE Ocean Energy Conference & Exhibition comes to The Hague in 2026

Following the closing of Ocean Energy Europe 2025 Conference & Exhibition (OEE2025), The International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems (IEA-OES) and Ocean Energy Europe together with the Dutch Energy from Water Association (EWA) announced they will join forces to host ICOE-OEE 2026, in The Hague, The Netherlands on 5 – 7 October 2026.

Saskia Bruines, Alderman for Economic Development of The Hague said "The Hague is proud to host ICOE OEE 2026. As a coastal city with strong ambitions in the blue economy and impact economy, we see marine energy as a key driver of sustainable innovation. This event aligns perfectly with our vision for the Scheveningen harbour area, where we are strengthening our focus on maritime innovation and entrepreneurship. We look forward to welcoming the global ocean energy community and showcasing what The Hague has to offer."

This event, focused on ocean energy technologies, will combine the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) and Ocean Energy Europe’s annual Conference & Exhibition.

Ocean Energy Europe will be the main organiser of the conference, with support from local host EWA. An ICOE-OEE joint event provides a unique opportunity for the sector to come together, network and do business, and hear the latest news and updates. The event will feature an exhibition hall, a conference programme with several technology and policy tracks, as well as side events, networking events and a site visit featuring the most important Dutch ocean energy sites and companies.

The International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) is a biennial global event dedicated to advancing the industrial development of marine renewable energy. The conference is an initiative of the IEA-OES (International Energy Agency Ocean Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme).

Matthijs Soede, Chair of the IEA-OES said: ‘Our goal is to connect and inspire organisations and individuals working in the ocean energy sector. That is why I am particularly pleased to see this joint collaboration between OEE and ICOE. I trust that the conference will bring many people together from all corners of the world to share knowledge, ideas, and enthusiasm for the future of ocean energy.’

The Dutch Energy from Water Association (EWA) unites companies and research organisations advancing hydropower, wave and tidal energy, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), and salinity gradient power, promoting the generation and application of energy from water while representing the shared interests of the Dutch sector.

Peter Scheijgrond, chairman of the Dutch Energy from Water Association (EWA), said: ‘Hosting the joint ICOE-OEE 2026 in The Hague is a major milestone for the Dutch ocean energy sector. This event provides a unique opportunity to showcase our innovations, research and testing facilities, and offshore and maritime capabilities to a global audience. This partnership marks an important step forward in strengthening international collaboration and accelerating the industrial development of ocean energy. We are proud to welcome the world to The Hague and look forward to working closely with our local partners to make this event a success.’

Ocean Energy Europe is the largest network of ocean energy professionals in the world. Its annual event brings together hundreds of people yearly from all corners of the sector, including politicians, senior decision-makers and key industrial players.

Rémi Gruet, Ocean Energy Europe CEO, said: ‘We are very happy to work once again with the IEA-OES on a joint event after the success of the previous iteration in San Sebastian in 2022. When ICOE comes to Europe, it simply makes sense to join forces and upscale the size and reach of our event. With the support of the local host EWA and our Dutch partners we look forward to meeting up with the sector in The Hague and presenting to the world the latest developments in ocean energy technologies and projects.