Energy Department Moves Marine Energy Collegiate Competition to Virtual Format

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC), originally scheduled to take place in person at the International Conference on Ocean Energy (now postponed), will be held virtually this summer.

During the new virtual event, the 15 participating teams will showcase the deliverables they developed for the competition.

“These students have come up with unique ideas to help advance the future of marine energy innovation,” said Arielle Cardinal, the MECC operations manager at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “By leveraging virtual event technologies, we are able offer the educational value, networking opportunities, and real-world experience that makes the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition such a remarkable event.”

The MECC challenges university students to design next-generation marine energy devices that optimize technology and reduce costs. In addition to offering real-world technical experience, the MECC provides students with the valuable industry connections they need to pursue future careers in marine energy.

With the new virtual format, teams will still have the opportunity to present their business plans and technical designs for a marketable marine energy device. They will also have time after their pitches to interact informally with the judges and discuss marine energy technologies, Blue Economy opportunities, and career paths with these industry experts.

“On behalf of all the competition managers, we would like to recognize the significant efforts each team has invested and we look forward to your virtual pitches,” said Cardinal.

To learn more about the MECC, visit the competition page.