Southeast Marine Energy Center

As the third U.S. Department of Energy National Marine Energy Center (NMEC), the Southeast Marine Energy Center (SMEC) seeks to advance the science, technology, economics, and policy for using our oceans' abundant energy, with special emphasis on those resources available to the southeastern US (ocean currents and ocean thermal resources). As a result of its growth and broad impacts, the Center now collaborates with private and public sector partners to develop all forms of hydrokinetic energy. By leveraging FAU's robust university capabilities and expertise, SMEC promotes economic development and energy independence for its service region and the nation.

As of July 1, 2026, the Center has been renamed as the Southeast Marine Energy Center (SMEC) to align with U.S. Department of Energy's Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O) initiatives (formerly named the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center, SNMREC). It also remains dually-designated as a State of Florida Center of Excellence (formerly named the Center for Ocean Energy Technology), recognizing initial investments by the State of Florida and SMEC's continued pursuit of marine energy development in partnership with the State.