Renewable Ocean Energy

Focus Area Overview

Society’s reliance on fossil fuels is not sustainable. Developing novel approaches of generating electrical power without fossil fuel use, is critical. Research related to harnessing energy from the “motion of the ocean” is in its infancy. However, our researchers are examining the possibility of harnessing ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, and waves to provide clean energy, as well as the possible environmental implications. This cutting-edge research, including field and modeling approaches, aims to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels while simultaneously providing for the energy needs of an ever-growing coastal population.

An underwater view of the sea surface. The sunlight penetrates from above.

Research Programs & Labs

NCROEP logo
NC Renewable Ocean Energy Program
Three men in orange PFDs and hard hats stand on a boat deck. In the middle of them, and being lifted from above, is a yellow, semi-spherical pod about to be dropped in the ocean.
Oceanography & Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Lab
Cars cross over a bridge that spans a coastal inlet.
Marine Geochemistry & Coastal Dynamics Lab
A coastal community, seen from above, is situated along ocean coastline.
Coastal Engineering & Adaptation Lab
A bunch of sargassum floats near the water surface. Fish swim below.
Ecology & Biogeochemistry in Marine & Coastal Systems Lab
Coastal Marine Processes & Geomorphology Lab
Ten people trudge through waist-tall, green marsh grass on a partly sunny day.
Human Dimensions of the Coast Lab
Satellite image of an expansive, coastal mangrove forest.
Coasts & Oceans Observing Lab

Renewable Ocean Energy News

NC Renewable Energy Challenge Inspires Future Innovators
NC Renewable Energy Challenge Inspires Future Innovators

Each Spring, with support from the NC Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP), the Coastal Studies Institute hosts the NC Renewable Energy Challenge in conjunction with KidWind and Jennette’s Pier. The purpose of this day-long competition is to foster interest in...

CoastLines Spring 2026 Available Now
CoastLines Spring 2026 Available Now

We are proud to announce the Spring 2026 issue of the ECU Integrated Coastal Programs Newsletter, CoastLines. Stay up to date on the research, education, and outreach programs of ECU ICP and the Coastal Studies Institute.In This Issue Corbett’s CornerStudent Section...

CSI Designated as TEAMER Facility
CSI Designated as TEAMER Facility

Compared to the wind and solar energy sectors, the marine renewable energy field is only in its infancy, and researchers and developers have their work cut out for them. Fortunately, a federally funded program exists to help innovators navigate the complex path of...

Led by East Carolina University (ECU), The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research and educational partnership of the UNC System including North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, and Elizabeth City State University.

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CSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University.  Click on the links below for more information.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

JENNETTE'S PIER WAVE ENERGY TEST CENTER

SMALL-SCALE WAVE TANK

ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement.   ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.

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The faculty and staff at the Coastal Studies Institute come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, as well as departments and organizations including ECU Department of Biology, ECU Department of Coastal Studies, NC Sea Grant, the North Carolina Renewable Energy Program, and the UNC Institute for the Environment.

MEET THE TEAM

Tour the ECU Outer Banks Campus and learn about the research, education, and engagement projects of CSI and ECU Integrated Coastal Programs through our 360 virtual tour.

VIRTUAL TOUR

The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
Located on Roanoke Island along the banks of the second largest estuary
in the United States, this coastal campus spans 213 acres of marshes, scrub wetlands, forested wetlands, and estuarine ecosystems.

FACILITIES

SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS