Wales Can Be World Leader in Marine Energy, Business Minister Says

Wales has the potential to be a world leader in the marine energy technology and production, Business Minister Edwina Hart told a Marine Energy Industry seminar in Pembrokeshire yesterday.

Addressing the Marine Energy Pembrokeshire Industry Seminar in Pembroke Dock, Mrs Hart said:

“Wales has a promising marine energy sector which is already beginning to thrive.

“We have some great businesses, world-leading technology, excellent research and development and some pioneering projects in the pipeline including the Marine Current Turbines with their Skerries Project and the Marine Power Systems project. In Pembrokeshire high-profile projects include the Tidal Energy Limited in Ramsey Sound and the Marine Energy Ltd at Castlemartin.

“With our 1200km of coastline, deep sea ports and accessible grid infrastructure, Welsh waters are ideally suited to meet the requirements of the marine energy industry.

“If the marine energy resource potential is to be exploited around the Welsh coastline, industry needs to rise to the challenge and capture the business opportunities that marine energy can bring.”

Last year Mrs Hart established the Haven Enterprise Zone as one of seven Welsh Enterprise Zones created to strengthen the competitiveness of the Welsh economy – creating jobs and sustainable growth. With around 30% of the UK’s energy supplies now coming via Pembrokeshire and contributing over £2 billion a year to the Treasury, it is rapidly increasing it’s reputation as the ‘New Energy Capital’ of the UK.

Nick Bourne, Chair of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, said:

“Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone is a unique location with access to deep water port facilities coupled with sea conditions that are ideal for the development of both wave and tidal stream marine energy.

“The area offers unmatched opportunities for the marine energy industry to relocate to the Haven and bring associated jobs and growth.”

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Press release, March 15, 2013; Image: Siemens