Wales and Canada strengthen marine energy ties
PRESS RELEASE: Nov 23, 2016
Marine Energy Wales have signed an agreement with Marine Renewables Canada to share knowledge and support development of marine energy. The two organisations have been key drivers for marine energy in their respective nations, and share many aims and objectives. This agreement demonstrates the commitment to a worldwide marine energy industry and the economic and low carbon opportunities associated with the emerging sector. This marks an important step towards positive collaboration between the two countries, both of which are leading the way in supporting marine energy development.
With €100.4 million of EU structural funding prioritised for marine energy in Wales, 2 Demonstration Zones, seabed agreements in place for three separate tidal stream projects, and a number of proposals for significant tidal range projects, Wales is well on its way to creating a strong, sustainable industry. Companies that have already benefited from this funding include Marine Power Systems, Minesto and Wave-tricity, and this will see them build, deploy and test their devices in Wales. Canada is also progressing the marine energy sector and is home to FORCE, a grid – connected test site with 64 MW capacity and has significant wave, tidal and river current resources across the country. Several developers have targeted the Bay of Fundy as a site for development with global tidal energy leaders such as OpenHydro, DP Energy, Atlantis Resources, SCHOTTEL, and Tocardo planning on deploying devices there over the next few years.
On this relationship David Jones, Director of Marine Energy Wales commented,
“The ultimate goal is to create a new low carbon global industry, where skills and knowledge are exportable worldwide. With significant progress being made by Morlais on the tidal Demonstration Zone off Anglesey, Minesto on the Deep Green project and a number of upcoming wave projects, Wales is developing those skills. Collaborating with Marine Renewables Canada and sharing experiences will be a real benefit moving forward.”
Although divided by the Atlantic Ocean, Canada and Wales share many common qualities and this new collaborative approach will aim to build on the work that has already been accomplished by each.
Elisa Obermann, Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada said,
“As a new industry, marine renewable energy still faces many challenges – not just in Canada, but across the globe. By working together, Marine Renewables Canada and Marine Energy Wales can help industry collaborate on key issues, build partnerships, and share information that will support advancement of the global industry.”
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “ This link up with Canada is excellent news and I am pleased to see the international interest that has been created by Marine Energy Wales within weeks of the new organisation being launched. The renewable marine energy sector has real potential for Wales which is a key location for the development and deployment of new innovative technologies and this new agreement with Canada will help promote these capabilities.”
To find out more about Marine Energy Wales or Marine Renewables Canada visit their websites: