Cornish marine energy body, Marine Hub Cornwall, and its Welsh counterpart, Marine Energy Wales, have signed a collaboration agreement to advance marine renewable energy sector in UK.
The two organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on areas of common interest and to share their knowledge and expertise.
This is in line with a global trend for more cross-regional collaborations, in order to get maximum benefit from the available resources and to develop new technologies more quickly than might otherwise be possible, the organizations said.
Bob Egerton , Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, said: “This is a really progressive move and one which will deliver big advantages for both organizations. Given our close proximity in geographical terms and the fact that we are each exploring similar areas of technology, there are great benefits to be achieved by working more closely together.
“This collaboration could help both Cornwall and Wales to compete more effectively on the world stage and to bring new technologies to market more quickly, in an industry that has a vital role to play in each of our local economies.”
Matt Hodson , Marine Hub Cornwall Operations Director, added: “We both want to see the marine renewable energy sectors developed to their full potential in our respective regions. This will not only generate new jobs but also help to create the low carbon economy of the future. This new collaboration is an exciting step towards achieving those goals.”
Mark Drakeford , Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Finance, welcomed the move, saying: “Our draft Welsh National Marine Plan highlights the need to join up with neighboring regions, including the South West of England, to identify future opportunities and potential issues. By working together we can help achieve our shared vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse seas, creating sustainable economic benefits for both regions.”