Anders Jansson, CEO of Minesto, agrees with the conclusions in the report and believes that marine energy can have an even stronger impact on the Welsh economy than it suggests.
The report ‘Marine Energy in Wales: Investment, Jobs, Supply Chain‘ from Marine Energy Pembrokshire states that wave and tidal developers have so far spent GBP 34.5 mln in Wales.
Furthermore, the report says the sector has created over 99 person years of employment, rising to 174 person years when Welsh academic research is included.
Minesto is currently preparing a consent application for a site near Holyhead Island in Wales prior to a planned construction of a 10 MW marine energy array in 2017, which is expected to supply electricity to equivalent of the needs of 8.000 households.
Anders Jansson said: “The conclusions in this report strengthens the argument for marine energy in Wales. To highlight the industry it is important to point out the positive factors green investments can have for the society. Looking at the site we are preparing in Holyhead Island, we foresee job opportunities for more than 30 people. I am convinced that the potential positive impact on the Welsh economy in the long run can be even greater than the report suggests.”
Minesto, a Swedish-based tidal energy developer, has designed a power plant, called Deep Green , that looks like an underwater kite. As the kite moves, water flows through the turbine and electricity is produced in the gearless generator.
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Image: Minesto