EMEC to Support Development of Japanese Marine Energy Centre

SCOTLAND’S world-leading marine and tidal energy development facility, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), today (Friday, March 9, 2012) announces a major international collaboration to develop Japan’s first marine energy test centre.

EMEC has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ocean Energy Association of Japan (OEAJ), with the potential for EMEC to provide advice and support on the design, set up and operation of the Japanese Marine Energy Centre (JMEC).

The partnership will play an integral role in Japan’s focus on developing viable alternative major energy generation schemes to traditional fossil and nuclear power methods in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, which had a major impact on the country’s industrial landscape.

EMEC’s involvement in the development further strengthens the close working relationship already established between Scotland and Japan, which has in the last year seen Kawasaki Heavy Industries confirm that it will test a newly developed tidal energy system at EMEC.

Experts from EMEC are uniquely placed to advise their Japanese colleagues having successfully supported the deployment of more grid-connected devices at the full-scale wave and tidal testing facilities, than at any other single site in the world, from their base in Orkney, Scotland.

Established in 2003, EMEC is the only accredited wave and tidal test centre for marine renewable energy worldwide, providing unparalleled experience and knowledge of testing in real sea conditions.

 Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney said: “Scotland is blessed with some of the world’s greatest green energy resources offshore. Through EMEC’s unrivalled expertise and the critical mass of companies now developing wave and tidal technologies in Scotland, we are leading international efforts to harness the unbridled energy of the seas to deliver safe, secure and sustainable energy and help protect the planet for future generations.

 “This new partnership between Scotland and one of the world’s great industrial powerhouses is very welcome, given our shared heritage for innovation and engineering. Just as a Scot, Richard Henry Brunton, helped Japan build a network of lighthouses to protect sailors from the perils of the sea in the late 19th century, our two nations are now working together to harness those very same forces of nature to generate clean energy.”

Richard Morris, commercial director at EMEC, said: “EMEC is honoured to be working in partnership with the Ocean Energy Association of Japan, and looks forward to developing a long and prosperous relationship which will drive forward marine innovation in the region.

“The need to address future sustainable energy generation requirements has been accelerated in Japan, for which there is wide-ranging support from within Government and across the country’s industry leaders.

 “EMEC is uniquely placed in terms of providing consultancy support to countries wishing to set up marine energy test sites and this is an excellent opportunity for Scotland to assist and work alongside our colleagues in Japan, identifying synergies to boost this new and exciting industry for the benefit of the country and its economy.”

Prof. Takeshi Kinoshita, chairman of OEAJ, said: “OEAJ is very pleased to be working with EMEC, the world’s most experienced marine and tidal test facility, to provide advice and support on the design, set-up and operation of the Japanese Marine Energy Centre.”

Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International said: “Scotland is globally recognised in the marine energy sector and this MoU is further testament to our appeal as a partner of choice in ambitious world-leading projects.

“SDI has worked extensively with both EMEC and OEAJ and in doing so, was able to successfully identify and facilitate the collaboration opportunity between these two pioneering organisations. The signing of the MoU will provide an excellent foundation for Scotland to build relationships with Japanese partners, giving the Scottish marine energy sector an extra competitive edge and ultimately driving home wealth for the Scottish economy.

“We are committed to continuing to work with EMEC and OEAJ to develop Japan’s marine energy sector and to further strengthen Scotland’s international trading relations.”

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, March 09, 2012; Image: emec