Marine Energy Wales and Marine Renewables Canada have agreed to share knowledge and support development of marine energy, marking an important step towards positive collaboration between the two countries.
In a statement, the two organisations said they have been key drivers for marine energy in their respective nations, and share many aims and objectives.
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 64MW 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.
“The ultimate goal is to create a new low carbon global industry, where skills and knowledge are exportable worldwide,” commented David Jones, Director of Marine Energy Wales. “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 added” “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.”
