Basse-Normandie and Channel Islands Sign Marine Renewables Cooperation Agreement

On the occasion of Thetis MRE, international convention of Marine Renewable Energy (MRE), held in Cherbourg – France, the representatives of West Normandy Marine Energy (WNME) and the Channel Islands Marine Renewable Energy Group (CIMREG) have signed a Framework of Cooperation on MRE.

Basse-Normandie Region and the Manche Department have developed a strong relationship with the Channel Islands, providing a framework for exchanges in the economic, scientific, educational, and cultural sectors. These two maritime territories gather their strengths via an agreement to cooperate on MRE, concluded between West Normandy Marine Energy (WNME) an the Channel Islands Marine Renewable Energy Group (CIMREG).

This agreement aims at supplying WNME and the CIMREG with a framework to address common issues and to encourage business and research collaboration. It will also provide a means to exchange knowledge and best practice to ensure the development of their marine energy activities, as well as foster the promotion of Basse-Normandie and Channel Islands marine energy industry, in order to support and accelerate the growth of the marine energy sector across the two regions.

In particular, WNME and the CIMREG will work together to:

• Share information, data and provide policy input to France and Channel Islands governments, and to other national and international bodies;
• Identify and work on common issues and barriers in key areas such as port infrastructure, grid, maritime safety, investment and funding;
• Share studies, best practice and support joint initiatives in the areas of community engagement, socio-economic and environmental impacts;
• Encourage and provide input to regulatory bodies to streamline and harmonise consenting and planning processes;
• Promote supply chain development by hosting joint networking events, building relationships and encouraging collaboration between businesses;
• Work together and with the relevant authorities to promote the marine energy sector through inward investment;
• Encourage collaborative research and technology development to leverage the capabilities and assets of the universities and research facilities;
• Support and enable collaboration with other regions specifically the UK;
• Work together to support joint renewable energy projects in each other’s waters.

Laurent Beauvais, President of the Basse-Normandie Region: Jean-François Le Grand, President of the Manche Department, and André Rouxel, President of the Communauté Urbaine de Cherbourg said : “We notice once again, on the occasion of Thetis MRE international convention, how much the development of the marine renewable energy sector is based on our capacity to cooperate at an international level, in order to capitalize on the experiences of each to accelerate the development of this new industry, and to maximize local benefits. By this agreement, we create the favourable conditions of a concrete and effective cooperation between the Channel Islands and Basse-Normandie territories for years to come”.

Deputy Al Brouard from Guernsey said: “Guernsey is progressing the opportunities for macro renewable energy and there is a promising and positive long term future for Guernsey in this area. Guernsey already works very well with its sister Channel Islands through CIMREG, and its other neighbours, including France. This agreement sets out the understanding of cooperation between the islands and ONEM and we look forward to continuing to work together.”

Press release, April 14, 2014; Image: sggurenergy