South West and Pembrokeshire Collaborate on Marine Energy

A collaboration agreement outlining a commitment to work together in the marine energy sector has been signed by organisations in the south west of England and Pembrokeshire.

The memorandum of understanding, signed on Friday 27th June by the South West Marine Energy Park and Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, builds on the strong relationship that has already been established between the two regions and will increase business opportunities in the growing marine energy sector. The two regions’ combined marine energy resources, technology development companies, research expertise, port infrastructure, test and demonstration facilities and innovative supply chain make for a strong combined offering to the sector.

Chair of the South West Marine Energy Park, Peter Kydd, said: “The Celtic Sea area between Cornwall and Pembrokeshire, and the Bristol Channel have fantastic marine energy resources which could be developed over the next decade. It makes sense therefore that partnership organisations on the Welsh and English sides of the channel work together to ensure that projects are developed sustainably and to maximise the economic benefits for both regions.”

The scope of the agreement will initially be focused on wave and tidal energy but with the intention that this is widened to include future offshore wind opportunities. Areas of collaboration that have already been identified include encouraging business networking and collaboration, supply chain and skills development, research programme development and sharing of best practice in the areas of planning, environmental and stakeholder engagement.

Director of Regen SW and the South West Marine Energy Park, Johnny Gowdy, said: “There are growing ties between the south west of England and South Wales. If we are going to sustainably exploit the marine energy resources and generate long term economic opportunities it makes sense to work together.”

Project director of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, Tonia Forsyth, said: “Wales is entering a critical phase in the growth of marine renewable energy, with increasing developer interest, new structural funds prioritising marine energy and the proposed Demonstration Zones for wave and tidal technology. Added to this our first tidal device will be deployed in Ramsey Sound later this year. If we are to really maximise the opportunities for Pembrokeshire it is vital that we collaborate with other parts of the UK. The South West is a natural partner for Pembrokeshire with the two areas combined offering excellent energy resource, unrivalled port infrastructure, skills, support services and grid opportunities creating a Celtic Sea marine energy Hub moving the two regions towards a new green low carbon economy”

Chair of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, Martin Murphy, said:“I am confident that this agreement will help to cement the growing links between the south west of England and Welsh businesses. Although my company, Tidal Energy Limited, is based in Wales where the supply chain is diversifying from skills grown out of the oil and gas industry into this developing sector, we are keen to work with south west companies who can offer additional capability and expertise. Similarly, I am sure that the same is true for companies based in Bristol and Cornwall who would welcome the opportunity to partner with Welsh firms.”

Press Release, July 03, 2014