The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has become a member of the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association (NaMICPA), a non-profit organisation, to help support the development of marine renewables in Japan and stimulate further collaboration between the two countries.
Oliver Wragg, EMEC’s Commercial Director, signed up to the association during a marine energy trade mission to Japan in March 2015 focused on keeping Scottish companies up to date with developments in the Japanese renewable energy market, assessing market opportunities within the region and meeting key companies in the industry.
Organised by Scottish Development International (SDI), the third Offshore Renewable Mission to Japan saw Scottish companies meet with key government organisations as well as some of Japan’s biggest companies including Kawasaki and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Business-to-business meetings and a networking reception were held at the British Embassy on 24th March, followed by a seminar on the marine industry in Nagasaki on 27th March.
The week culminated in EMEC signing up as a supporting member to NaMICPA.
“International collaboration is vital for the development of the marine renewables industry,” said Oliver Wragg.
“Only by working with other countries can we ensure that there is a global market available for clients testing their pioneering devices in Scotland, so we are delighted to become members of NaMICPA to help support the Nagasaki Prefecture, and Japan in general, in the pursuit of a sustainable energy mix.”
Mr. Toshiyuki Sakai , President of NaMICPA, said:
“With a focus on marine renewables, the association has been set up to promote marine industry in Nagasaki, supporting businesses within the prefecture via a network of industry, academia and government, as well as international stakeholders.
“Scotland is leading the way in the development of marine renewables, and having EMEC, the world’s leading test centre, involved in the association will provide a depth of knowledge that will support the development on marine renewables here in Japan.”
Mr. Takaaki Morita , Director of the Marine Industry Development Office at the Industry and Labour Department, Nagasaki Prefectural Government, said:
“We have high expectations that the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association, an industry body comprising local companies, is clearing the path for firms to enter the marine renewable energy industry by starting a broad-based alliance with relevant players at home and abroad.
“We believe that it would be wonderful if EMEC and allied companies could enhance relationships with companies in Nagasaki Prefecture which would help develop the marine renewable energy industry by facilitating the development and commercial application of floating wind and tidal power turbine-based power generation in Nagasaki.”
Stephen Baker, Regional Director Japan and Korea SDI said:
“It’s fantastic to see EMEC continuing to build strong business relationships in Japan. EMEC’s support for the NaMICPA will no doubt help the Nagasaki Prefecture continue their development plans for their test sites and the industry as a whole.”