The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), a developer of marine-based renewable energy technologies, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ocean Energy Association of Japan (OEAJ) to develop Japanese Marine Energy Centre (JMEC).
JMEC is the first marine energy test facility in Japan. As per the agreement, JMEC will offer assistance and support for designing, establishing and operating the test center.
The project will play an important role in Japan's objective to develop feasible alternative energy generation techniques to traditional nuclear power systems. EMEC experts have successfully offered support to install grid-connected systems in several tidal and wave testing facilities across the world from their site in Orkney, Scotland.
John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, stated that Scotland has a number of green energy resources offshore. The Scottish Government focuses on international initiatives to exploit the unlimited energy of the seas to offer safe, sustainable energy through EMEC’s wide expertise as well as a group of companies developing tidal and wave technologies in the country, added Swinney.
Richard Morris, EMEC’s commercial director, remarked that they are looking forward to develop a continuing partnership with OEAJ, which will spur marine innovation in the country. Scottish Development International has successfully identified and facilitated the partnership opportunity between EMEC and OEAJ. The MoU will provide a great platform for Scotland to establish alliances with Japanese partners, thus providing an additional competitive edge for the Scottish marine power sector and eventually bringing wealth for the Scottish economy.
Source: http://www.emec.org.uk/