The South West’s marine renewable industry was recently showcased at All Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy trade show held in Aberdeen.
Twelve members of the South West Marine Energy Park (SWMEP), a partnership made up of local government, academia and industry, exhibited on a SWMEP stand. The delegation included leading Cornwall marine renewable companies, as well FaB Test and Wave Hub. As a result significant new business has been secured for these local companies, with one company recording a potential order book of £500,000.
The companies and organisations were brought together by Invest In Cornwall (IIC), the county’s inward investment service, run by Cornwall Development Company. IIC’s remit is to attract investment into Cornwall and help support commercial growth of this industry set to be worth more than £70 billion to the UK economy by 2050.
Lucy Hunt, Manager for Invest In Cornwall , said: “Delegates from around the world had a chance to meet some of our most innovative businesses face-to-face and this has led to some major new client wins for them. Through events such as these we are able to support the growth of Cornish companies, bringing a wider benefit to our local economy.
“SWMEP and IIC also held an industry debate on opportunities in the wave and tidal supply chain. With our rich natural resources and opportunities to trial new technologies combined with a strong skills base, the South West is the natural home for this industry.”
Johnny Gowdy, Director of RegenSW and the South West Marine Energy Park added; “The South West has some of the most diverse ocean resources for wave, tidal and offshore wind powered renewable energy and it’s important we continue to find ways to promote this capability and our expertise. The exhibition and seminar at All Energy are just two examples of how we can do this.”
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Press release, June 17, 2013; Image: regensw