New website showcases marine renewable energy expertise to developers

A website showcasing Pembrokeshire's expertise in marine renewable energy and attracting developers to bring more projects to the area has been launched by the Minister for Environment Sustainability & Housing, Jane Davidson AM.

The site, marineenergypembrokeshire.co.uk, has been set up by the newly established partnership, Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP), as a one-stop-shop for developers looking for contacts and information on consenting requirements, available research and information, and onshore support services. 

It also includes details of projects looking to develop off the county's shores, including Wave Dragon's wave energy converter, the tidal stream turbines being developed by Tidal Energy Ltd and e.on/Lunar Energy, Far Offshore Renewables' floating wind turbine and the wave energy parks being investigated by Marine Energy Ltd.

MEP is a local public/private partnership, which is collaborating to establish Pembrokeshire as a centre of excellence in Wales for the development and exploitation of marine generated energy.  In helping to develop a successful and vibrant marine renewable energy sector in the County, MEP hopes not only to make a significant contribution to region's transition to low carbon but also to its economic regeneration.

MEP's chair, Dr Miles Willis, said the website launch was a welcome opportunity to tell the Minister about its work and for individual developers to discuss their progress on activities. 

"The Pembrokeshire coast has tremendous wave and tidal stream potential, the Milford Haven waterway has all the port facilities and road links a developer could need, and grid connections are good," he said.

"We have a great opportunity here to nurture a high value added-economy by capitalising on an emerging industry, and the new website is designed to highlight to potential developers the vast knowledge, infrastructure and skills we already have."

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Minister said:

"Wales has a lot to offer on marine renewables and I welcome MEP's ambitions to put Pembrokeshire at the forefront of its exploitation in Wales.

"Our energy policy statement, ‘A Low Carbon Revolution', estimates that Wales has the potential to produce more than twice as much energy as it currently uses through wholly renewable sources by 2025, with the largest proportion of this energy coming from marine generated electricity.

"Our marine energy strategy, which we will publish later this year, will support the exploitation of marine renewables and assess the potential for energy extraction, whilst looking to minimise the impact on the environment.

"Close collaboration and joint working, as exemplified by the work of MEP, are crucial to the delivery of a low-carbon society. I am committed to working with stakeholders such as MEP to exploit this tremendous resource, to mitigate the effects of climate change and to maximise the potential for green jobs and a green economy."

-Ends-

PHOTO CAPTION

(Left to right): Marine Energy Pembrokeshire chair, Dr Miles Willis, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Network Manager Tonia Forsyth and Jane Davidson, AM.

Notes for editors:

Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP) is a public - private partnership group whose primary aim is to develop a sustainable marine energy sector in Pembrokeshire.

Partners currently include:
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum - Pembrokeshire County Council - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority - Milford Haven Port Authority - Marine Energy Task Group for Wales - Tidal Energy Limited - E.ON - Wave Dragon Wales - Marine Energy Limited - Far Offshore Renewables - Welsh Assembly Government - Countryside Council for Wales.

Marine Energy Pembrokeshire is co-ordinated by Tonia Forsyth, Network Manager for Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum.

www.marineenergypembrokeshire.co.uk or pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk

For more information, contact
Tonia Forsyth
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum
tforsyth@mhpa.co.uk
07967008789

ID: 2297  Revised:21/07/2010