We are excited to invite you to attend the 5^th Asian Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (AWTEC 2020), to be held in Hobart, Lutruwita (Tasmania), Australia. AWTEC 2020 aims to provide an opportunity to exchange, learn, interact and network on all multidisciplinary aspects of ocean renewable energy, with colleagues from all over the world. Encompassed within AWTEC 2020, will be the third Australian Ocean Renewable Energy Symposium (AORES), highlighting the growth of Australia’s ocean renewable energy capabilities and developments.

We are busy building an exciting program, including plenary and keynote presentations that outline key offshore energy research and development activities occurring within Australia, Asia and the rest of the world. These addresses will be supported by oral and poster presentations from delegates, industry exhibitions, and a range of side meetings and events. We welcome your abstracts for a presentation, poster, or ideas for workshops or meetings, that can benefit all in our fields of research.

In addition to the conference formalities, we are organising a series of social/networking events throughout the week. Further details of these events will be released as details are finalised in the coming months. The venue for the conference is the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, on the doorstep of the beautiful and world-renowned Constitution Dock. Tasmania, with its captivating history, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences, has something for everyone. Tasmania also possesses exceptional renewable energy resources. Approximately 90% of Tasmania’s electricity generation is from renewable resources (Hydro, onshore wind), and opportunity to become a net exporter of electricity via the existing HVDC cable to the Australian mainland exists. Exceptional wave, tidal and offshore wind resources can contribute to this vision. Being home to a strong contingent of marine scientists and engineers, and a long history of renewable energy development, built across the University, CSIRO, Australia’s Antarctic Division, and the newly established Blue Economy Co-operative Research Centre, the capability to build on these opportunities is growing.

AWTEC 2020 builds on the success of the AWTEC meetings held before it, most recently in Taipei, 2018. AWTEC 2020 is organised by the Australian Maritime College (AMC), a specialist institute of the University of Tasmania and CSIRO, Australia’s flagship scientific research agency. We are ably supported by a Local Organising Committee drawing members from across Australia’s Marine Renewable Energy landscape. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is a major supporter of the conference, as an agency accelerating Australia’s shift to an affordable and reliable renewable energy future.

We look forward to welcoming you to Tasmania, and to a highly successful AWTEC 2020.

Irene Penesis and Mark Hemer
Chairs of AWTEC 2020