EMEC first to sign RUK H&S Acorrd

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has become the first organisation to sign up to a new health and safety accord for the wave and tidal energy sectors, demonstrating its commitment to the safe operation of the renewable energy industry.

Founded by RenewableUK, the Offshore Wind and Marine Energy Health and Safety Accord is a first for the global renewable energy sector and addresses the specific challenges and opportunities facing the offshore wind and marine industries.

EMEC – the only accredited wave and tidal test centre for marine renewable energy in the world – signed up to the Accord at the annual RenewableUK conference in Manchester where managing director Neil Kermode underlined EMEC’s support for excellence in health and safety.

Mr Kermode says: “As the world’s first and only full scale wave and tidal testing laboratory, EMEC has a duty of care to the current and future developers who use our test centres and facilities. Being the first to sign this Accord not only demonstrates EMEC’s leadership within the industry but also our determination to operate safely.

“With seven years’ experience in operating our test sites, EMEC has extensive experience and knowledge on health and safety issues within the offshore renewable sector. We must share what we have learnt with the industry and collaborate to ensure future risks are mitigated.”

The Accord was drawn up by RenewableUK’s health and safety working groups following consultation with key stakeholders, and aims to show an industry fully engaged in self regulation by confronting the key challenges ahead to minimise current and future risks.

Maria McCaffery, chief executive of RenewableUK, said: “As the trade association for the wind, wave and tidal industry, we welcome all advancements in health and safety. This first signing of the RenewableUK Health and Safety Accord indicates that the industry takes such issues extremely seriously.

“With the policy landscape supporting the development of the wave and tidal sector becoming ever clearer, we are set to see accelerated array deployment. I would like to encourage all our members and partners to follow EMEC’s lead in signing the accord and consolidate the excellent track record the industry enjoys”.

Photo: (L-R) EMEC managing director Neil Kermode and RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery.