Sea-energy projects in the South West have received a boost through £10.3 million in research funding for the Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE).

Established two years ago by the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter with funding from the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), PRIMaRE will use the funds to support its research team, buy new equipment and collaborate with business.

The new equipment is likely to include wave and tidal measuring devices, wave-making facilities, subsea electrical equipment, collision avoidance and monitoring equipment, and research into the environmental impact and benefits of marine renewable energy.

Through its work, PRIMaRE will support and complement SWRDA’s pioneering Wave Hub project, which will create the world’s largest wave energy farm ten miles off the Cornish coast and is on course to be built next year.

“This new funding recognises the very substantial expertise in marine energy, research, development and innovation now present in the South West and provides additional support for engaging business with world-class research for the benefit of our region and the wider environment,” said Wendy Purcell, University of Plymouth Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor. “In partnership with the University of Exeter, we will generate important new marine knowledge to inform the emerging renewable energy sector, positioning the region at the forefront of marine science and technology expertise.”

“Climate change presents many challenges but there are also great opportunities for new low-carbon goods, services and energy production,” said Carleen Kelemen, director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. “It is only through investment in top quality scientific research and knowledge transfer to businesses that we will successfully tap these new markets. This ERDF Convergence investment will stimulate the creation of a whole new industry and related business opportunities.”

Added Stephen Peacock, SWRDA’s Enterprise and Innovation director, “PRIMaRE and Wave Hub are central planks in the RDA’s drive towards a low-carbon economy in South West England. We want our region to be one of the best places in the world to build a low-carbon business and a global leader in the development of environmental and renewable energy technologies.”

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