Marine Energy Wales (MEW) has welcomed 240 experts and business leaders at its annual conference to discuss the progress made in the Welsh marine renewable energy sector.
Held in the Liberty Stadium on March 30, 2017, the conference was the inaugural Marine Energy Wales event since its launch at the end of 2016.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure delivered a keynote address which outlined not only the progress made to date but also the huge future potential for Wales.
During his address, Skates launched Marine Energy Wales’ new report which highlights the economic benefits of the marine energy industry in Wales, and he also announced funding for Wave Hub to enable a major feasibility study into the Pembrokeshire Demonstration Zone.
Byron Davies, MP for Gower and Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Marine Energy and Tidal Lagoons, provided the opening address of the day by highlighting the importance of the Swansea Bay City Deal and congratulated Welsh-based developers on the huge amount of progress made in the last 12 months.
In total 240 people attended the conference representing 130 global organizations, according to Marine Energy Wales.
The program featured dedicated panels to the wave, tidal stream and tidal range industries in Wales as well as a focus on supply chain, clusters and innovation.
Summing up the event, Louise Rigby Williams , Project Manager of Marine Energy Wales, said: “It has been an important year for the development of the marine energy industry here in Wales, and our conference has showcased the huge progress that has been made in the tidal stream, wave and tidal range sectors across the country. The attendance levels over the 2 days in Swansea are a testament to Wales’ potential and importance for the industry moving forward.”
Presentations and videos from the conference are available on the Marine Energy Wales website .