Marine Energy Technology Development Risk Management Framework

NLR's Marine Energy Technology Development Risk Management Framework helps developers identify, assess, and reduce risk throughout the marine energy technology life cycle, from concept development to open-water testing and deployment.

Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and NLR, the framework provides a structured process for improving technology reliability, survivability, safety, and commercialization readiness for marine energy systems.

Capabilities

The framework provides a structured approach for managing risk throughout marine energy technology development, from early-stage design through testing and deployment. It includes guidance for:

• Evaluating technology readiness and performance
• Identifying and managing technical and operational risks
• Conducting failure analysis using the Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis method
• Performing design reviews and identifying development decision points.

The framework is designed to help developers improve technology reliability, survivability, and deployment readiness while reducing uncertainty during development and testing.

Resources

Marine Energy Technology Development Risk Management Framework, NLR Technical Report (2024)

Risk Register Template (Microsoft Excel download)

Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis Template (Microsoft Excel download)

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