Research and development related to marine renewable energy has a long history at Florida Atlantic University, and it took a quantum jump forward with an award from the Florida State University System’s Center of Excellence competition in 2007. This investment was increased the next year with a legislative appropriation associated with the formation of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium among the state universities. Subsequent funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind and Water Power Program, part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and from several private corporations paved the way for the designation at FAU of the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center in 2010.

Now a part of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, SNMREC staff work with faculty and students across much of the University, including the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU and the Colleges of Science, Arts & Letters, Design & Social Inquiry, Education, and Business. As a research center, SNMREC does not offer courses or degrees. However, the Center is actively involved in FAU’s educational programs through Center support of some three dozen graduate students and their advisors on various research and development projects.

SNMREC is also active beyond the FAU campuses in partnerships with various other universities, government laboratories, private corporations, and national and international organizations. From participating in the development of engineering standards for marine renewable energy technologies to leading basic research on such enigmatic problems as marine biofouling, SNMREC’s involvement in all phases of the science and technology of marine renewable energy recovery is making strides toward a secure energy future.