The Institution of Civil Engineers South West (ICE) has welcomed the Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker’s announcement that the South West has been made the UK’s first Marine Energy Park.

The South West Marine Energy park area will cover Bristol down to the Isles of Scilly. The region’s Local Enterprise Partnerships, the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter will work in partnership with industry to speed up the development of marine renewable energy.

Trish Johnson, Regional Director of ICE South West said: “It is fantastic that the South West has been named the first UK Marine Energy Park.  The region has been working hard to become a world-class centre for renewable energy, and this is a vote of confidence from the government.

“With two coastlines, marine renewable energy is something the South West is well-positioned to harness. We want to see the Energy Park deliver inward investment and economic growth throughout the region.

“Marine energy has the potential to contribute significantly to UK renewable energy targets as well as reducing carbon emissions and providing energy security.”

ENDS