Marine energy has long term potential, says Government adviser

The Government’s chief scientific adviser has said the potential “long-term economic impact” of Ireland’s marine renewable energy research “cannot be underestimated”.

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) director general Prof Mark Ferguson also highlighted the "significant investment" of over €10 million by industry partners in the new Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (Marei) research centre.

The centre, which was opened by Minister of State for Research Sean Sherlock at University College Cork (UCC) yesterday, is one of seven such research groupings backed by SFI.

Marei will focus on areas ranging from marine robotics and materials to offshore wind, wave and marine energy devices. It will also research technologies for electricity supply at home and abroad, supporting some 77 research posts.

The centre will receive funding of €19 million from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through SFI, and €10.5 million from 45 industry partners.

The industry partners include Bord Gáis Energy, ESB Energy International, Intel, Siemens, DePuy and others.

Academic partners with UCC include University College Dublin, Cork IT, University of Limerick, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, the Marine Institute and Teagasc.