AS Japan’s environment ministry forecasts a tripling of electricity generation from renewable sources across that country by 2030, Scotland’s world-leading European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on Orkney has announced the extension of formal links with the Japanese renewables industry.
In an effort to expand collaboration on marine renewables between Scotland and Japan, EMEC has become a member of the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association (NaMICPA) which is leading the development of wave and tidal power in Japan.
The announcement comes as Japan continues to focus on developing viable renewable schemes following the earthquake-triggered Fukushima nuclear power station disaster in 2011. Japanese-Scottish renewable collaboration began later that year when Kawasaki Heavy Industries confirmed it would test a newly developed tidal energy system at EMEC.
The formal link comes after a recent trade mission organised by Scottish Development International which saw Scottish firms meet with key government organisation and some of Japan’s biggest companies, including Kawasaki and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
“International collaboration is vital for the development of the marine renewables industry,” said Oliver Wragg, commercial director of EMEC, the first grid-linked marine power testing centre.
“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: “With a focus on marine renewables, the association has been set up to promote marine industry in Nagasaki, supporting businesses within the prefecture via a network of industry, academia and government, as well as international stakeholders.
“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.”
Takaaki Morita, director of the marine industry development office at the industry and labour department of Nagasaki’s prefectural government, said: “We have high expectations the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association, an industry body comprising local companies, is clearing the path for firms to enter the marine renewable energy industry by starting a broad-based alliance with relevant players at home and abroad.
“We believe it would be wonderful if EMEC and allied companies could enhance relationships with companies in Nagasaki prefecture, which would help develop the marine renewable energy industry by facilitating the development and commercial application of floating wind and tidal power turbine-based power generation in Nagasaki.”
Stephen Baker, SDI regional director for Japan and Korea, said: “It’s fantastic to see EMEC continuing to build strong business relationships in Japan. EMEC’s support for the NaMICPA will no doubt help the Nagasaki prefecture continue their development plans for their test sites and the industry as a whole.”
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