South West and Pembrokeshire renewables partnership

The memorandum of understanding, signed 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 it is hoped that it 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 told Maritime journal: “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.

Project director of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, Tonia Forsyth added: “Wales is entering a critical phase in the growth of marine renewable energy, with increasing developer interest and new structural funds prioritising marine. 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”

By Jake Frith