As power generators across the world look toward renewable energies, the marine hydrokinetic (MHK) sector is quickly becoming an area of emphasis within the hydropower and larger renewable energy industry.

HydroWorld.com points out that significant research and development efforts are already being conducted and have indicated that the global potential for wave energy and tidal power is vast. Making MHK a commercially viable option remains a challenge, but development of this technology is becoming a top priority for many countries.

"There are clearly lots and lots of good ideas out there to harness hydrokinetic energy, but we also know cost reduction remains a major challenge," U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said recently. "That's exactly the kind of innovation we'd like to move forward in. We remain really strong in overcoming the scientific and technological challenge."

Addressing these challenges will be a key topic at HydroVision International 2014, which, for the seventh consecutive year, will include a seven-session panel presentation track devoted entirely to the MHK sector.

Titled, "Wave, Tidal and In-Stream Power", the track includes six sessions covering development challenges, environmental issues, the importance of collaborating with conventional hydro, research and development, and more. The track also includes a meet-and-greet session that will allow suppliers of products and services needed to further the development of this sector to interact with the developers of MHK technology, who need their products and/or services.

Also new this year to the HydroVision International exhibition hall is a special MHK Pavilion, which will feature companies working within the marine hydrokinetics sector. Being in the 20^th year, this year’s HydroVision International conference and exhibition will take place in July 22-25 in Nashville's Music City Center. For more information, please visit: HydroEvent.com.

Underwater turbines. (Photo Credit: Scotish Power Renewables)