Marine Energy Wales and Morlais have signed an MoU to accelerate marine energy sector growth in North Wales.
Marine Energy Wales is an initiative that supports the growth of the marine renewable energy sector in the country and manager of the £2.7m Marine Energy Test Area (META) project.
Morlais is a 240MW consented tidal stream energy project off the coast of Anglesey.
The partnership aims to address common challenges, encourage business and research collaboration, as well as exchange knowledge and best practices, further positioning Wales at the forefront of the international marine energy industry.
“Morlais is a nationally important project that will enable crucial development of tidal stream technology and get marine renewable electricity flowing into the Welsh grid,” said Marine Energy Wales programme manager Tom Hill.
“Marine Energy Wales is proud to support the project, and signing this memorandum of understanding today will allow us to share everything we have learned setting up META and solidify the Welsh test centre network for developing innovation through to commercialisation,” added Hill.
Key areas of collaboration include promoting capability and skills development, addressing key issues in port infrastructure, grid investment and funding, and fostering closer ties with regional stakeholders.
Both parties will also explore ways to utilise energy resources in the regions, streamline planning processes, and attract inward investment.