EMEC strengthens ties with Japan

The Stromness-based European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has become a member of the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association (NaMICPA) – a non-profit organisation, to help support the development of marine renewables in Japan and stimulate further collaboration between the two countries.

Oliver Wragg, EMEC’s commercial director, signed up to the association during a marine energy trade mission to Japan, last month, focused on keeping Scottish companies up to date with developments in the Japanese renewable energy market, assessing market opportunities within the region and meeting key companies in the industry.

“International collaboration is vital for the development of the marine renewables industry,” said Mr Wragg.

“Only by working with other countries can we ensure that there is a global market available for clients testing their pioneering devices in Scotland, so we are delighted to become members of NaMICPA to help support the Nagasaki Prefecture, and Japan in general, in the pursuit of a sustainable energy mix.”

Toshiyuki Sakai, president of NaMICPA, said: “Scotland is leading the way in the development of marine renewables, and having EMEC, the world’s leading test centre, involved in the association will provide a depth of knowledge that will support the development on marine renewables here in Japan.”