Representatives from the South West Marine Energy Park (SWMEP) and the Channel Islands Marine Energy Group (CIMREG) met in London at the International Tidal Energy Summit on Wednesday to finalise details of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two organisations.
The MoU, signed today between the Channel Islands and the South West of the UK on marine renewable energy, recognises the compatibility of the two regions on this important new opportunity for economic growth and low carbon energy security. The partnership brings together an excellent mix of world class energy resources and organisations with academic, technical and industrial expertise in marine renewable energy.
The agreement is signed by Peter Kydd (Director of strategic consulting at Parsons Brinckerhoff and the chair of the SWMEP) and by a representative of each island, Francis Simonet – chair of Policy committee – Alderney, Deputy Al Brouard – Deputy Minister for Commerce and Employment – Guernsey, Deputy Rob Duhamel – Minister for Planning and Environment – Jersey and Conseiller Andrew Bache – General Purposes and Advisory Committee – Sark.
The agreement outlines a commitment on all parties to work together for the benefit of the marine renewable energy sector across the South West of the UK and the Channel Islands, sharing information and working together to support joint initiatives that will increase the amount of installed MWs of technology and create new jobs. Through collaborative research and development CIMREG and SWMEP will look to support the development of renewable energy projects in each other’s waters.
Deputy Brouard said: This is a good opportunity to forge long term links with the industry in the UK that will allow us to be in a position to move with the industry and longer term, make the most of the natural resources we have at our disposal in the Channel Islands.
Building on an existing relationship and joint work undertaken by the two regions, the first step under this new MOU will be to meet at the next Bristol Tidal Energy Forum in March 2014, a key, industry led event in the SWMEP calendar. CIMREG will bring a delegation to the conference and will be invited to present to over a hundred key organisations in the South West marine energy sector.
Building on an existing relationship and joint work undertaken by the two regions, the first step under this new MOU will be to meet at the next Bristol Tidal Energy Forum in March 2014, a key, industry led event in the SWMEP calendar. CIMREG will bring a delegation to the conference and will be invited to present to over a hundred key organisations in the South West marine energy sector.
Francis Simonet explained: Alderney is pleased to be party to this agreement which can only help in our quest to ensure that the energy in our waters is capable of being delivered into the UK. We have worked hard to ensure an all islands approach and this is a significant step which demonstrates our commitment to working together.
Deputy Rob Duhamel commented: I am delighted to be able to work alongside the other Channel Islands and our colleagues in the South West on renewable energy. There is no doubt that in the future the right project could bring significant environmental and economic benefits to the whole region and it is essential that we all work together to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome in the long term.
Roger Olsen, Sark Renewables Advisor : We are happy to share information and look forward to playing our small part in helping marine renewables forward.
Press release, December 2, 2013; Image: Wave Hub