Electronics giant Apple has committed to a €1m Ocean Energy Industry Fund to test prototypes at Ireland’s Galway Bay Ocean Energy Test Site.
The US company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to help marine developers who receive an SEAI grant.
The €1m Apple fund will provide up to €250,000 each year for four years commencing in 2016. Ocean energy developers who successfully qualify for an SEAI grant to test their devices in Galway Bay can apply for additional support through the fund.
“We’re excited by the potential of ocean energy to someday serve as a source of clean power for the data centre we are building in Athenry, County Galway,” said Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson.
“We are deeply committed to powering all our facilities with 100% renewable energy and believe investing in innovative projects will make reaching our goal easier,” she added.
Irish energy minister Alex White said Apple’s commitment shows that Ireland is open for business for marine development.
“The west coast of Ireland is recognised as having some of the best wave resources in the world and I warmly welcome this agreement between Apple and SEAI to help harness this renewable source of energy,” he said.
SEAI chief executive Dr Brian Motherway added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Apple. Its track record in development and innovation is second to none and its support to the emerging wave energy industry will be a major boost nationally.”
The Galway Bay test site, in operation since 2006, enables the testing of wave energy technologies at quarter scale.
Image: subsea cable installation at Galway Bay Ocean Energy Test Site (Andrew Downes)
