EMEC backs China

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qingdao organisations to support the development of a marine energy test site in China.

Scotland-based EMEC and the University of Edinburgh, signed the MoU alongside the Ocean University of China, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, and Qingdao Songling Power Environmental Equipment Company at the an annual forum for UK and Chinese government, business and academic leaders.

According to EMEC, the MoU states intent to share knowledge and carry out fundamental research to establish a wave energy test site in Qingdao, eastern China.

Commenting on the agreement, Oliver Wragg, EMEC’s Commercial Director, said: “Scotland and China have a common interest to support the global development of marine energy technologies.

“As the first test centre of its kind, EMEC has endured some steep learning curves during its own development, and we see no point in other countries having to reinvent the wheel. And by working together, we can help open up markets across the world for wave and tidal energy technologies currently in development.”

Hongda Shi, Professor at Ocean University of China, added: “Marine renewable energy in China has the potential for a brilliant future, but we have a long way to go. The short-cut for development is to cooperate with the countries who have advanced technology and abundant experience.

“We hope that collaboration between both countries will make marine renewable energy a big market which benefits Scotland and China.”

Image: EMEC/Signing of the MoU