PRIMaRE is a £15 million Institute formed to research how energy can be harnessed from the sea. It is being set up in South West England as a joint collaboration between the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. The Institute will combine the existing research excellence of Exeter in renewable energy and environmental technologies with Plymouth’s expertise in marine science and coastal engineering. Initial investment from South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) will enable the Research Institute to recruit new research teams, including new professorial appointments, and bring world leading experts to the region before Autumn 2008.

Initially the Research Institute will work alongside the £28 million Wave Hub project, being developed by the South West RDA off the coast of Cornwall, which will allow wave energy device developers to test their technology on a scale never before possible. Potential renewable energy developments in the Bristol Channel, namely Europe’s largest wind farm and the Severn Barrage scheme will also be of interest to the Institute.
Andrew explained the research opportunities that the newly formed Institute will encourage, noting the recent political commitment to renewable energy requirement.