News this week

EMEC wish everyone in China a Happy New Year as they enter the Year of the Dragon – a symbol of good fortune, ambition, enterprise and innovation. We look forward to working closer with the Ocean University of China and Qingdao Municipal Science and Technology Commission, based in the Shandong Province of China, and wish them all the best for the year that lies ahead.

Closer to home, Neil Kermode, Managing Director, has had a very busy week. On Monday he was delighted to attend the Marine Energy Programme Board in Bristol chaired by Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker. The Board heard of the excellent progress made by the Working Groups over the last year. Following the welcomed announcement of the UK’s first Marine Energy Park, which is to be set up in South West England, discussions progressed on to the development of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park. The collaborative opportunities present across the UK are immense, and when harnessed will see the development of a strong domestic market, further securing the UK’s position at the forefront of the marine renewables industry.

Neil also attended the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) meeting at the Royal Society in Edinburgh, where Phil Smith was introduced as the new Chairman of the Board. His main priorities in his new role will be to raise the profile of the TSB across the UK and increase its reach, influence and impact. This was followed by a useful discussion, led by Iain Gray, Chief Executive, on the TSB’s role in driving innovation to help the UK achieve its CO2 targets and resultant economic benefits.

Neil also met with PA Consulting Group who are leading the 2020 Supply Chain Group in Scotland to accelerate and inform the renewables debate. They have created Technology Supply Chain Development Plans for marine and offshore wind which present an industry view of how best to establish viable supply chains in Scotland. The plans are designed to enable key stakeholders in Scotland’s renewable energy industry to gain a clear, comprehensive understanding of what needs to be done, by whom and when. They demonstrate how Scotland can capitalise on supply chain opportunities and maximise its domestic and international renewables market share. The plans are still in development and PA Consulting will be delighted to receive feedback.

And finally, we are in the process of redesigning the EMEC website, and welcome any comments and suggestions that you have either on aspects you like/dislike on the current website, or features you would like to see on the new website. Click here to provide feedback, any comments are gratefully received.