On 20 January, the EU's Commissioners for Energy and Maritime Affairs announced an effort to develop the potential of the renewable energy sector in EU's coastal regions.
In a joint statement., Maritime Affairs Commissioner Maria Damanaki and Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger emphasizes tidal energy's potential as a job-creator and economic growth generator.
They also emphasized that tapping the tidal energy potential of the continent would bolster he security of Europe's energy supply by decreasing dependence on imported gas.
In the wake of the announcement, Minesto´s CEO Anders Jansson said, “It is truly exciting that the European politicians realize the potential for tidal energy to play this important role in a sustainable future, contributing to economic growth especially in fossil fuel dependant countries.
"Minesto welcomes the plans and sees that our development plans are in line with EU’s strategies,” Jansson added.
The Gothenburg, Sweden based firm recently announced that its marine power plant Deep Green is now producing electricity in the waters off Northern Ireland, which is seen as a break-through for the entire renewable energy industry.
“With Deep Green we will be able to produce renewable electricity with high reliability to a cost that will compete, or even be lower, than conventional energy sources. It is encouraging that the EU also appreciates the potential for marine energy in EU,“ Jansson said.
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