Guest Blog: EMEC internship focuses on Scottish and Dutch collaboration opportunities

EMEC had the pleasure of hosting Dutch student Iris Hoefnagels for an internship this summer – here’s her view on the experience:

In order to graduate for my Bachelor’s degree, I started my research internship at EMEC halfway through March of 2016. The internship lasted for close to four months, during which time I conducted research on the opportunities for collaboration between the Scottish and Dutch marine energy sectors. My Bachelor’s programme focuses on the translation of scientific breakthroughs into marketable technology-based products, services or processes through innovation. Because EMEC plays a significant role in supporting the acceleration of marine energy technologies – their vision is “a globally successful marine energy industry” –  it proved to be a great fit with my academic background.

For me personally, EMEC presented a unique learning opportunity. Marine energy was not covered in my studies, working as an intern here gave me the opportunity to learn more about this alternative source of sustainable energy. Also, I knew that I wanted to go abroad for my internship, because that in itself presents an opportunity to learn about different countries and regions, and how they innovate.

During my time at EMEC, I looked at the opportunities for collaboration between players in the Scottish and Dutch marine energy sectors. My research shows that international collaboration is important to the further development of the global marine energy sector. Forty percent of the main sector challenges identified by the industry reports that I analysed are either directly related to, or can be solved by increased international collaboration. More importantly though, the 17 interviews that I conducted as part of my research methodology, show that the sector wants to prioritise increased coordination. International collaboration across the sector plays a big part in achieving those goals. Furthermore, collaboration is important to EMEC because a significant part of their activities are conducted through partnerships and cooperation, and EMEC is keen to collaborate more, and more effectively, to generate maximum benefit for the sector.

EMEC is keen to collaborate more, and more effectively, to generate maximum benefit for the sector.

Not many people are aware of it, but the Netherlands is the third country worldwide in marine energy, in terms of the number of projects and research groups. Activities undertaken in the Netherlands are complementary to Scottish operations. Because of that, Scotland and the Netherlands can learn a lot from each other. Scottish sector players could find very valuable partners in the Netherlands, both on the level of individual projects, as well as on European level when looking for funding or while lobbying for or developing industry standards for technologies and legislation. In all, I identified 39 different areas in which Dutch and Scottish marine energy organisations could work together. Such collaborations should be set up by focusing on the characteristics and challenges of the partners. I also recommend that sector players start looking for partners more proactively, and try to set up more intensive forms of collaboration. For Scotland and the Netherlands specifically, several main sector players from both countries should jointly define a vision for their continued collaboration in years to come, based on the challenges and opportunities of both countries.

I have had a great time working alongside everyone at EMEC. I felt like I was part of the team, made up of dedicated, driven and passionate people. I learned a lot from them about the marine energy sector, sustainability, and renewable energy in the UK in general. The experience has completely lived up to, and often surpassed, my expectations.

Part of why I have had such a great internship was living in Orkney. The islands are absolutely stunning and rich in cultural heritage. They also are increasingly sustainable, and I’m really impressed with local sustainability initiatives. The thing that has stayed with me most, however, is the exceptional sense of community. My impression of Orcadians is that they are welcoming and open, and have an outward view. Locals are involved and interested in sustainable energy in general, and aware of the marine renewables activities undertaken on Orkney. EMEC and its employees form an inherent part of the community by being involved in several local initiatives regarding not only sustainability, but also culture and heritage. It is a fantastic place to live in and visit, and I’ve had an amazing time getting to know the islands.

EMEC and its employees form an inherent part of the community … It is a fantastic place to live in and visit, and I’ve had an amazing time getting to know the islands.

On the back of my internship I was invited to visit Tocardo in Den Oever, where I was given a tour of their deployments in the Afsluitdijk. I had a great time learning more about Tocardo’s operations here, and it was really fascinating to see how marine energy can be successful in different types of environments.

I’ve been back in the Netherlands for several weeks now. My research has fortunately been well-received back home, and I’ll graduate in several months’ time. I’m looking forward to another two years in Amsterdam, where I will start the Master of Science programme Physics for Energy and Sustainability in September.

I look back at a fantastic time at EMEC and in Orkney. My internship has taught me how important the further development of marine energy is, and I would like to make my own contribution. I therefore hope to stay involved in the sector during my studies and hopefully also afterwards.