Local, national and international firms meet in France for high technology workshop

From SMEs like Supacat to multinationals like E-on, the delegates were all keen to formulate collaborative research and development projects. Professors and researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, together with some of the PRIMaRE team from Cornwall, worked alongside their business counterparts for two days to share their vision and aspirations for the Marine Renewable Sector over the next few years.

The chairperson, Allen Alexander from the University of Exeter, whose research was used to developed the framework for the workshop said ‘It’s clear from the recent comprehensive spending review that renewable energy is one of the key areas the government will continue to invest in. The South West is already at the forefront of some of this technology and we are keen to take what we know to the next level. All the participants were very happy with the outcomes of the event.’

Six projects emerged from the workshop including the development of a nursery test site off the coast of Devon for tidal turbine devices; the development of baseline measurement protocols for marine energy testing; the development of new techniques to reduce the anti-fouling requirements on infrastructure placed in the ocean. 

Working together UK firms including JP Kenny and IT Power will collaborate with their French peers Nass & Wind, Altran Ouest and world leading marine research company IFREMER to develop these projects into bids in the next few weeks. Also represented at the event were Marine South East, Devon and Cornwall Business Council and the French Pol de Mer (French science park focussing on Marine Technology).

There are plans for another similar event focusing on the societal outcomes of changes to the weather and climate and the impact this is having on people’s health. This will also be funded from the ERDF INTERREG IVA PROTTEC project.