The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has awarded €4.3m in grant funding to new marine energy projects.
A total of 15 developers will benefit from the cash as part of the organisation’s Prototype Development Fund.
The developers which have secured funding under the scheme include DP Energy, the ESB, ORPC Ireland, Tocardo Ireland and Blue Power Energy.
The announcement was made today at the International Conference on Ocean Energy in Edinburgh.
SEAI’s head of emerging sectors Declan Meally said: “The objective at this major international event is to show that Ireland is open for business and is actively committed to harnessing its abundant wave, tidal and offshore wind energy resources in an environmentally sustainable manner.
“The government through its departments and agencies is dedicated to developing an indigenous ocean energy industry, which is a real opportunity that will deliver future economic and societal benefits for the citizens of Ireland.”
He added: “To that end, collaboration, both nationally and internationally, is key. To facilitate the development of the sector we’re very keen to explore all collaborative opportunities, where Ireland can offer its strengths in areas like test facilities, technology supports, supply chain availability and grid infrastructure.”
Meally said that Ireland has a potential €15bn ocean energy resource off its coast.
Image: 2015 work on the Galway Bay test site (Andrew Downes)
Ireland splashes marine cash
Developers DP Energy and the ESB to benefit from €4.3m in grant funding
By EBS