Wales strengthens Basque Country ties with Gold sponsorship of ICOE-OEE 2022
26.09.2022
Wales is joining the ICOE-OEE 2022 event in Donostia – San Sebastian as a Gold sponsor, reinforcing both its commitment to ocean energy and its longstanding collaboration with the Basque Country. The Welsh Government is hosting a group of innovative Welsh companies in a national exhibition pavilion, as well as a dedicated trade & export delegation, focussed on opening up new international trade opportunities.
Wales has long been a strong supporter of ocean energy, recognising its role in meeting decarbonisation targets and enabling blue growth. Drawing on a rich maritime and industrial heritage, its dedicated demonstration sites in Anglesey and Pembrokeshire are at the forefront of wave and tidal energy technologies. These activities are underpinned by an extensive local supply chain, ensuring that the jobs and economic benefits of this growing sector are felt across the whole of Wales.
Among the Welsh companies taking part in the event are Bombora Wave Power, Mainstay Marine Solutions, Menter Mon Morlais, Minesto, Marine Energy Wales, Marine Space, Gaia Hire, Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, Blackfish Engineering Design, Celtic Sea Power, Grafmarine, Cambrian Offshore and Intertek. This represents a broad cross-section of companies active in ocean energy and related sectors, who will meet and network with their Basque, European and international counterparts.
The relationship between the Welsh and Basque governments was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018, and has continued to go from strength to strength ever since. The Basque Country is a priority partner region in the Welsh Government’s International Strategy, and vice versa – with innovation being one of the key cooperation areas.
A special joint edition of the biennial International Conference on Ocean Energy & the annual Ocean Energy Europe event is being co-organised by the Basque Energy Cluster and Ocean Energy Europe. The unique 2022 joint event will bring out the best in the ocean energy sector, featuring a high-level conference, lively commercial exhibition, and numerous networking and side events.
Vaughan Gething, Welsh Government Economy Minister said: “I’m delighted to see such a strong delegation of Welsh marine companies at the International Conference on Ocean Energy in Donostia-San Sebastián. This conference is a great opportunity to celebrate the expertise we have here in Wales and showcase their goods and services to the world.
“The Welsh Government is determined to do all we can to build an economy based on the principles of fair work, sustainability, and the industries of the future. We’re committed to supporting the development of emerging marine energy technologies, as part of our wider efforts to establish Wales as a global leader in sustainable offshore renewable energy generation.
“Taking part in this important event will help us further strengthen Wales’ links with the Basque Country and showcase what Wales has to offer. We hope this will pave the way to exciting new partnerships between our two countries that will help us build fairer, greener and more prosperous economies.”
Jose I. Hormaeche, Managing Director of the Basque Energy Cluster, welcomed the news: “Ocean energy is another exciting chapter in the enduring relationship between Wales and the Basque Country. With our shared focus on innovation and industry, the event is an ideal opportunity for our Wales and the Basque region to join forces in developing ocean energy and pave the way for exciting new initiatives.”
Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe commented: “We are delighted that Wales, which is a hub of activity in ocean energy, is showcasing its companies and projects at the event in October. The Welsh Government is a driving force for the development of the sector in Europe, with its unwavering political support, innovative companies and world-class infrastructure.”