EMEC deepens ties with Japan

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has become a member of the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association (NaMICPA), a non-profit organization set up to progress the development of marine renewables in Japan.

Oliver Wragg, EMEC’s Commercial Director signed the deal to join the association during a marine energy trade mission to Japan in March 2015.

The aim of the trade mission was to bring Scottish companies up to date with the developments in the Japanese renewable energy market, to assess market opportunities within the region and meet with key companies in the industry, EMEC’s press release reads.

EMEC and NaMICPA aim to strengthen the collaboration between the two countries, and boost the development of marine renewables market in Japan.

Oliver Wragg said: “International collaboration is vital for the development of the marine renewables industry. Only by working with other countries can we ensure that there is a global market available for clients testing their pioneering devices in Scotland, so we are delighted to become members of NaMICPA to help support the Nagasaki Prefecture, and Japan in general, in the pursuit of a sustainable energy mix.”

Toshiyuki Sakai, President of NaMICPA, commented: “With a focus on marine renewables, the association has been set up to promote marine industry in Nagasaki. Having EMEC, the world’s leading test centre, involved in the association will provide a depth of knowledge that will support the development on marine renewables here in Japan.”

Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, is planning to develop a testing site for marine renewable energy to help research and development of this sector, and the Japan government is relying on EMEC’s guidance to ease the realization of that goal.

Image: EMEC