Interview with NAGASAKI AMEC - JAPAN

TAKAAKI MORITA DIRECTOR MARINE & ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, INDUSTRY & LABOR DEPARTMENT NAGASAKI PREFECTUAL GOVERNMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 What was the motivation and the driving forces to build NAGASAKI AMEC and what milestones were set up for its development? To date, how much funding (public and private) has been granted for its creation and operation?

Major motivation for Nagasaki Prefecture is to promote ocean renewable energy industry in order to revitalize local economy and increase employment opportunities as well as to accelerate development of ocean renewable energy technology and contribute for realization of low carbon society. Currently final business plan is under preparation. Nagasaki Prefecture has budgeted public fund for the operation planning of the test site and the operation of one stop service provider as well as for research of wind and tidal resources at the site. At the same time, private local NPO has generated own fund for its own operation and the said NPO has been awarded by Nagasaki Prefecture for the above-mentioned planning works, operation and research works. In addition to that, the tidal power developer has secured competitive funding from the central Government.

 

It is recognised that test centres can be instrumental in proving the technology can work in challenging marine environments. What other benefits do you see for developers and also for local/regional communities?

Nagasaki Prefecture is planning to provide the opportunity for the developer to test cost effective method
of installation and O&M in real ocean state conditions which are crucial to reduce LCOE and to provide with the required metocean data for business planning. For local communities, it is planning to provide the opportunity to learn special technology and method for operation of ocean renewable facility and increase business opportunity significantly.

 

 For ocean energy in general, do you think test centres have a role to play on giving international visibility to the sector? Do you see improvement potential in this respect, and have suggestions?

Yes, certainly. Important role for the test centres which needs to be improved might be the real data correction for environmental impact and safety.

There are several test centres around the world, how do you see the possibility of knowledge sharing between these test centres? Apart from technology-specific details that are usually under non-disclosure, what information could be shared to support the sector?

Already knowledge sharing activities are started among the test centres like Water workshop organized by EMEC. Possibly information on environmental impact, bio-fouling affect and the method of co-existence with fishing industry in different ocean condition/area could be shared.

 

Would you like to mention any key lessons from your experience over the operation of the test centre? Have expenses kept reasonably within foreseen limits, or were there any major unforeseen challenges?

As we have not yet started real operation, any challenge might be found through further operation phase. However, we trust that it is important to maintain good relationship with local stakeholder such as fishermen, residents and other local authorities concern at any time.